James Nathaniel Bell

James Nathaniel Bell

January 22, 1942 - January 25, 2026

It is with great sadness that the children and family of James N. Bell announce his passing on Sunday, January 25, 2026. James departed from this life peacefully in his sleep at Southeastern Veteran's Center in Spring City, Pennsylvania.

James was born on January 22, 1942, in West Chester, Pennsylvania. He attended West Chester schools, including the historic Gay Street School and West Chester Joint Junior and Senior High School (now Henderson High School). Following his high school graduation in 1960, James enlisted in the United States Air Force. During his 8.5-year tour with the Air Force, James traveled throughout the United States, as well as France, Germany and Thailand, serving his country, all while playing basketball.

In 1969, James joined the West Chester Police Department and served the community for 23 years, much of which was under the guidance of his brother-in-law and Police Chief, John O. Green. Wearing badge #26, James was well known to everyone. During this time, he started the Officer Friendly Program in the local K-3 elementary schools, the goal of which was to teach children safety and let them see that Policemen were everyday people. James would tell police officers that if they ever felt down on themselves or felt like no one cared about them except their families, just go visit the children in an elementary school. In 1992, James formed the West Chester Police Bike Squad to help the police get closer with the community, and especially youngsters. As stated by the West Chester Police Department: "[James] was a community police officer long before 'community policing' was part of our language." James was also asked to play Santa Claus at the annual Christmas Party sponsored by the Borough of West Chester and the Police Athletic League; and he did so for 15 years. He retired from the West Chester Police Department as Sgt. James Bell in 1992.

In December of 1992, James was appointed Police Chief of Valley Township, PA, and completely immersed himself in the new community. At Valley, Chief Bell established a youth basketball league and the D.A.R.E. Program in Rainbow Elementary School. James received many awards for his community involvement in Coatesville and would serve in Valley for the next 14 years. It is in Valley where he was affectionately bestowed the nickname "Chief" as a term of endearment, which followed him in every social and work setting for the rest of his life. In addition, while working in Valley, James made the decision to continue his education and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Columbia Southern University.

Following his time in Valley Township, James accepted the position at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania as Director of Public Safety, where he served until retirement, ending nearly forty years of continued service as a police officer.

From 2008 to 2020, James worked as a Substitute Teacher for the Chester County Intermediate Unit. He believed that substitute teaching afforded him a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with some of the families that he served in the Coatesville and West Chester areas as a police officer. It was also during this time that James volunteered as a tutor for the newly created "New Directions After School Program" at the West Chester Community Center and mentored students through the "Chester County Futures Program". He ended his professional career as interim Police Chief for the City of Coatesville, and finally running for Sheriff of Chester County.

James was a man of conviction who cared passionately about others. He enjoyed keeping fit, and throughout his life he found different ways to stay in shape, whether through weightlifting, running, racquetball or cycling. He enjoyed sitting in his recliner while listening to his favorite music, particularly anything by Frank Sinatra, the Temptations, Four Tops, Nat King Cole, and later in his life, Van Morrison and Tennessee Whiskey by Chris Stapleton. James always had the latest in stereo technology and would gift his family with similar Bluetooth speakers so they could enjoy their music in the same way he did. Additionally, he loved police dramas, from Barney Miller, Hawaii Five-O, Hill Street Blues in the 1970's and 1980's, to Law & Order, Criminal Minds, Blue Bloods, and NCIS in the 2020's. If he wasn't watching football or basketball on TV, chances are one of those TV shows was on the screen.

Additionally, James was a lifelong learner, always seeking ways to improve his quality of life and of the lives of those around him. In his nearly forty years of policing and teaching, James impacted generations of youth and adults and made every community that he touched better than he found it. He inspired countless people to be their best selves, to know their history, and to treat everyone with kindness and respect.

Family meant everything to James, and you didn't have to be a member of the family for him to treat you like one. He was the third of five children, preceded in death by his parents, Harry T. Bell, Sr. and Ida Fannie Vann Bell of West Chester; siblings, Annamae Wesley of Lancaster; brother, Frederick C. Bell, Sr. of Spring City; and wife, Ethalia F. Bell of West Chester. He is survived by two brothers: Harry Bell, Jr., of Reading; and Leon (Dorice) Bell, of West Chester, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and loved ones.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory four wonderful children: Tracey Charles of Reading; Lance (Chelsea) Hunt of Jacksonville, FL; Dr. Koreem (Dr. Rosalind) Bell of Downingtown; and Jared Bell, of Coatesville; nine beautiful souls that are his grandchildren: Talijah Charles, of Philadelphia; Massiah McClain, of Newark, DE; Koreem N. Bell, of Newark, DE; Latonia Hunt, of Jacksonville, FL; Caleb Hunt, of Jacksonville, FL; Charity Hunt, of Jacksonville, FL; Ethalia R. Bell, of Coatesville; Gloria Bell, of Downingtown; and James D. Bell, of Downingtown; and two amazing great-grandchildren: Luna McClain, of Newark DE, and Koda Bell, of Newark, DE.