James Franklin Bell

James Franklin Bell of Richmond died Friday, April 8, 2005. Jim was born on September 5, 1947, the son of Dr. and Mrs. Richard Phillips Bell III, and grew up in Staunton, Virginia. He attended Staunton Military Academy and graduated from the University of Virginia in 1969, where he was a member of Zeta Psi Fraternity. Jim spent most of his career working as a realtor, first in Roanoke, where he was president of the Roanoke Valley Board of Realtors. He moved to Richmond in 1986, where he established himself as a respected commercial real estate broker. For the past 12 years, he has been a vice president at Thalhimer and Company. During the last years of his life, Jim focused his energy on fundraising for cancer research. In true Jim fashion, he was the top fundraiser for Richmond West Relay for Life and was the inspiration for funds raised for the Relay for Life in Jackson, Wyoming. In 2004 he started the Richmond Chapter of the Patients and Friends Research Fund of the University of Virginia Cancer Center, which continues to carry on his passion for finding a cure. Jim was a member of the Society of the Cinncinati, the Jamestowne Society and the Staunton Chapter of Saints and Sinners. He grew up in Trinity Church in Staunton, and is now a member of St. James's Episcopal Church in Richmond. He is survived by his wife, Liesa Fellers Bell; and his children, Anne Jennings Bell and James Franklin Bell Jr.; his brothers, Richard Phillips Bell IV, William Frazier Bell, and David Wray Bell; three aunts, one uncle, seventeen cousins on his father's side and eleven cousins on his mother's side; and his dear friend, Rosalee Doughty. Jim Bell always put others first. He was a wonderful combination of the most important elements you look for in a friend, but rarely find wrapped up in one package. He will be remembered for his compassion, loyalty, positive attitude and determination. He has left those he has touched inspired by his courage, faith and kindness of heart. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, April 12, 2005 at 3 p.m. at St. James's Episcopal Church. The family will receive friends at home on Monday, April 11, 2005 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the The University of Virginia Patients and Friends Research Fund, P.O. Box 400807, Charlottesville, Va. 22907-3015.