Mr. James L. Bell

James "Jim" Bell, age 77 of Columbus, Indiana, formerly of DeMotte, Indiana was a respectable, persistent, avid to-do list maker, who was dedicated to giving 110% to whatever project he was pursuing at the time. A passion for educating others, from teaching his kids how to build and fix their own bicycles to training a Coast Guard Auxiliary flotilla, he was good for drawing a picture or making a power point to help convey his message. Jim made his last to-do list on Friday at 12:38 p.m. October 4th, 2024 when, shortly after, he passed away from complications of Multiple Myeloma.
He is survived by his wife, Carla (Mouser) Bell of Columbus, IN (formerly DeMotte, IN) and beloved dog, Nugget. Children: James J. Bell (Monica Puniani) of Portage,IN & Victoria
(Larry) Moser of Nashville, IN; Grandchildren: Kelsey (David) Angeloni, Collin Graeber, Stephanie Czernick, Tyler Bell, Jonathan Moser, Alex Moser & Jessica Spiller; Siblings: Barbara (John) Ek of Orlando, FL, Terry (Patrica) Bell of Yorkville, IL, Troy (Pam, decd.) Bell of Chicago Heights, IL, Rhonda (Phil) Pombert of Bourbonnais, IL; Numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and MANY grand pups! He was preceded in death by his parents Paul Robert & Lois Bell, grandson Jacob Bell and the bestest dog Roxy.
Jim was born on February 25, 1947, in Evansville, Indiana to Lois & Paul Robert "Bob" Bell who kick-started his love of boating and fishing. After graduating from high school Jim went into the workforce and accepted a position at Georgia Pacific paper company in Chicago Heights, Illinois where he met, the mother of his children, former wife Beverly (Gordy) Bell of Crete, IL. He later went on to managerial roles at Mead Packaging/ West Rock in Chicago where he made many lifelong friends including Carla, who he would spend the rest of his life making lists and doing projects with.
He was never bored. A true hobbyist, he conquered many. These included: fishing, boating, hunting, shooting, motorcycles, roller skating, computers, wine enthusiast, photography, and many more. After retiring from Mead Packaging/West Rock in 2007, Jim became involved with the Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 3509 starting as a crew member, then coxswain and, in true Jim Bell fashion, worked his way up to Flotilla Commander.
He was loved and will be greatly missed by many.
In keeping with Jim's wishes, cremation will take place and a celebration of life service will be held at a later date.
Arrangements by Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family at barkesweaverglick.com