Lawrence James "Jim" Bell

Lawrence James "Jim" Bell
Died: January 22, 2026 in Lincoln, NE
Lawrence James "Jim" Bell, age 97, passed away peacefully in Lincoln, NE on January 22, 2026.
Jim was born and raised in Morris, IL, the son of Alexander Bell and Marie Minnie Marcot. He met and married Maria Helena Bryson while attending St. Ambrose College in Davenport, IA. After graduation, Jim joined the Air Force and was stationed at Offutt Air Force Base near Omaha during the Korean War. Helena and he then remained in Omaha while raising their family. He became a music instructor and band director at Boys Town, gave clarinet and saxophone lessons to generations of budding musicians, and played tenor sax with numerous bands in the area. He also received his Masters degree in Music from University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Both Jim and Helena were leaders in Omaha's music scene, serving as principal players in the Omaha Symphony Orchestra for over 30 years - Jim on clarinet and Helena on cello.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Maria Helena Bell, and his son, Michael William Bell. He is survived by his children, Victoria Schaevitz (Robert) (Santa Fe, NM), Kimberly Larson (Lincoln), Patricia Bell (Orangevale, CA), and Thomas Bell (Los Angeles). Jim is also survived by 7 grandchildren including Brandon (Emily), Kalie, William (Connie), Samantha (Tobias), Alexander, Mya and Bijou as well as 5 great-grandchildren, Logan, Ella, Astrid, Liam and newborn Freya.
Jim rescued many dogs over the years, and for that reason he would appreciate that memorials in his name be given to Hearts United for Animals (www.HUA.org).
The entire family of Jim Bell wishes to thank the staff of Tabitha Assisted Living in Lincoln for the kind and compassionate care they provided during his final years.
A celebration of Jim Bell's life will be held in the summer of 2026 in Omaha.
Visit the Butherus, Maser & Love Funeral Home website at www.bmlfh.com for more information and to share your memories of Jim.