James C. Bell, Sr.

James C. Bell, Sr., 87, longtime resident of Milford, NH, passed away peacefully on November 30, 2025 in Nashua, NH after a battle with dementia.

He was born on August 9, 1938 in Goffstown, NH, the son of James R. Bell and Ione (Anderson) Bell.

Jim had worked for many years as an auto mechanic for Blanchard in Wilton, Drapers Chevrolet and Contemporary Automotive, Milford, NH.

Jim was a National Guard veteran.

He was a volunteer firefighter, having served the towns of Milford, Wilton and Greenville.

Jim was past president and long time member of Granite State Antique Auto Club.

Jim was a proud member of AA for 57 yrs. Jim enjoyed flea markets, yard sales, cruise nights and spending time with family.

Jim was predeceased by his wife, Loretta J. Bell, who died in January 2025, and two brothers, Roy Bell and Roland Bell.

Family members include his four daughters and sons-in-law, Karen and Kevin Shutt of Stewartstown, NH, Jeanette and Roger Comire of Milford, NH, Linda and Roy Creighton of Bennington, NH, Cheryl and Mike Taylor of Milford, NH; a son and daughter-in-law, James and Lisa Bell of Milford, NH; fifteen grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild; brother Edward Bell of Charlestown, NH.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 20th at 1:00pm in the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Share or Home Health and Hospice Care. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com