James Artis Bell, 89, passed away at home on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020 in Lee, Fla. He was born Sept. 9, 1931 in Madison County, Fla., to Arthur G. Bell and Eunice Wynn Bell. James was stationed in many places around the world before settling in Lee, Fla. in 1974. He was retired from the US Air Force, worked at Advent Christian Village several years, served two terms on the Lee Town Council as President and later owned a used car lot for 20 years. He had a love for travel (covered all 50 states and several foreign countries) and spending time with his grandchildren. He loved to spend time talking to his customers while sitting in the swing on the porch of his office. He never met a stranger.
He was proceeded in death by his wife, Ila Belle (Williams) Bell; three brothers: A.G. Bell, Ernest Bell and Eugene (Shorty) Bell; three sisters: Minnie Harrington, Thetus Alderman and Charlotte Johnson; son, James David Bell; and grandson, Jason Scott Thomas.
He is survived by two daughters: Debbie (Ken) Bell Szostek and Cindy (Reese) Bell Thomas; son, Eddie Bell; three sisters: Christine Nichols, Ann (Buddy) Sapp and Patsy (Dennis) Plain; one brother, Dalton (Elizabeth) Bell; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Graveside Services were held at Lee Memorial Cemetery at 11 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 21, 2020. Visitation was held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020 at Beggs Funeral Home.