James Bell

1937 - 2026

Lake Geneva, Wis. - James Duncan Bell, 88, affectionately known as "Dutch," went to be with his Savior on Jan. 28, 2026, surrounded by family.

Born on Feb. 25, 1937, in Kansas City, Mo., Jim was adopted by Carl and Mary Bell and grew up in Champaign.

Jim tragically lost his father in an automobile accident at the age of five. His grandfathers played a significant role in his formative years, and one treasured gift from his maternal grandparents was their cottage on Lake Geneva, Wis. There, Jim developed a lifelong love for lake living, including boating, skiing, fishing and walking the lakeshore.

A graduate of Champaign High School in 1955, Jim was an Eagle Scout and an avid swimmer. As a collegiate athlete, he swam during his freshman year at DePauw University in Greencastle, Ind., before transferring to the University of Illinois. There, he earned a degree in Journalism and was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. It was at the UI that Jim met his wife, Nancy Grant, and they were married on Jan. 25, 1959.

Jim began his professional career as assistant advertising manager with his stepfather's company, The J.M. Jones Company. He worked his way up the ranks and was promoted to president at the young age of 30. Prioritizing God and family above all else, Jim willingly gave up other leadership opportunities to ensure his family could remain rooted in the Midwest, ultimately settling in Mahomet. Desiring to be his own boss, Jim stepped down at age 40 to enter the retail side of the grocery business, acquiring three IGA stores nearby. Later, Jim became one of the first franchisees of the food retailer Cub Foods in Bloomington. This venture led to the expansion of additional stores in Crystal Lake and Galesburg. Following retirement, Jim and Nancy divided their time between Champaign, Hilton Head, S.C., and Lake Geneva, Wis., before moving, permanently, to Lake Geneva in 2023.

Jim was dedicated to supporting his children and grandchildren's academic and athletic endeavors. In the early years, he was "Bald Eagle" while participating in YMCA's Indian Guides with his sons. He attended countless basketball, football, tennis, golf, track and field events and dance recitals over the years. His love for Lake Geneva lives on through his family, who will continue to enjoy cherished time together.

He valued the opportunities he had to travel for business and with close friends and family. One of his favorite pastimes was Canadian fishing trips in pursuit of Master Angler walleye and northern pike. These trips brought him pure joy - especially time spent with his sons, son-in-law, grandsons and grandsons-in-law in the serenity of the cellphone-free Canadian wilderness.

Jim was a diehard Fighting Illini fan, faithfully attending Illinois football and basketball games. Attending Bowl games, March Madness, and Maui Invitationals were highlights of Illinois athletics and are treasured family memories.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Nancy (Grant), and their three children, Mike (Mary Jo) Bell, Pam (Rich) Raab and John Bell. Dutch cherished his eight grandchildren and was their resident videographer and playful "teaser" during their youth, Jordan Raab, Tabitha (Jesse) Schrock, Jenna Bell, Adam (Ashley) Bell, Andrea (Elias) Hutchinson, Jaclyn (Zachary Montebell) Bell, Sarah (Kevin) Carroll and Samantha (Avery) Schrock. Dutch was blessed with eight great-grandchildren, Jaxon, Annabelle and Jordy Schrock, James Bell, Beckett, Jones and Miller Hutchinson, Blair Carroll and Vaughn Schrock, with Johnnie Bell arriving in June. He is also survived by his brother, Jack Jones.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, Carl; his mother, Mary; and his sister, Jane Ann.

Jim was a compassionate and generous man who supported many organizations and volunteered his time and talents serving on numerous boards. He remained a faithful servant within the Methodist and Presbyterian churches he and Nancy were members of over the years. He will be deeply missed, but the remarkable legacy he leaves behind will continue for generations. Well done, good and faithful servant.

Jim's family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Aurora at Home Hospice and devoted caretakers for their compassionate care and kindness.

A celebration of life will held on May 23, 2026, at Pier 290 in Williams Bay, Wis., from 2 to 5 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Linn Presbyterian Church, linnchurch.org, Champaign Public Library, champaign.org or Geneva Lake Conservancy, genevalakeconservancy.org.

To post an online condolence, please proceed to derrickfuneralhome.com where you can submit your post.