James "Jim" Thomas Bell Sr.

James (Jim) Thomas Bell, Sr. died peacefully at home at the age of 93, in Huntsville, Alabama, October 10, 2023. Jim was born, February 7, 1930 in Prairie Grove, Arkansas.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Lora Lee Karnes, his parents, Thomas Barnes Bell and Sue Claire Hoover, and his sister, Marian Hoover Bell Pitman.

Jim is survived by his wife, Vivian Balch of Huntsville, Alabama, his three children, Sue Lee Bell Huffman, (David) of Huntsville, James (Jimmy) Thomas Bell (Brenda) of New Albany, Indiana, William (Bill) Barnes Bell (Melissa) of Independence, Missouri, three step children, Donna Griffin (Mark) of Huntsville, Alabama, Debra Barbour of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, David Lee of Madison, Indiana, eight grandchildren, five step grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren, thirteen step great grandchildren, three great, great grandchildren, and three special nieces.

Jim Bell, was loved by all his family and many friends he made over the years of his very interesting life. His greatest love other than God and family was flying, and he was able to spend fifty-five years enjoying flying, with thirty-four of those years in a career of flying. He was always active in church and in the Masonic Lodge. Recently a Masonic Lodge in Huntsville, Alabama celebrated his 71 years as a Free Mason.

Jim served in the Army as a Military Policeman at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas. His early career before and after serving in the military was in chicken hatchery. Later, the dream job of becoming manager of the airport in Neosho, Missouri allowed him to fly commercially and provide flight instruction. He also volunteered as a Deputy Sherrif in Missouri and in Arkansas.

There is so much more to be told of Jim Bell’s life, but a good summary statement is that he always wanted to do a good and thorough job, was always on time, and loved to serve. He will be missed by many.

Donations may be made to a charity of your choice for cancer research.