Bell, Jimmy B.

Jimmy B. Bell, 84, of Galesburg died at 9:40 p.m. Friday, November 8 at Heartland Health Care Center in Galesburg.

He was born June 2, 1930 in Galesburg, the son of John “Jimmie” and Lorayne Bell and was baptized at Faith United Methodist. He graduated from Galesburg High School in 1948. He worked in the Engineering Department at Butler Manufacturing and retired after 40 years. Jim served in the U.S. Navy from 1949-1953.

Among those surviving are his wife Marjorie Bell and four of their children, Lisa (Curt) Anderson of Dahinda, IL, Kurt (Kristi) Bell of Sheboygan, WI, Connie Rainey of Ankeny, IA, and Cathy (Jeff) Markley of Galesburg; nine grandchildren, Jessie, Jennie, Carissa, Karson, Klayton, Kameron, Kasey, Conner, and Carter; and his brother Monty (Marilyn) Bell.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Cindy Bell, and his oldest daughter Stacey Bell.

As a youth, Jim was very athletic and especially excelled in baseball. He was a loyal Cubs fan his entire life. As a proud father he rarely missed a football, basketball, softball, or volleyball game. He was an extremely talented woodworker who enjoyed spending time designing and building furniture for family and friends. Jim’s love of fishing was something he shared with his whole family. He enjoyed fishing with his buddies, but was the happiest taking his grandkids.

Cremation rites will be accorded. Graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 15 at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Galesburg. Deacon Michael Crummer will officiate the service. Memorials may be made to the City of Galesburg Fishing Derby, PO Box 1589, Galesburg, IL 61402-1589, where Jim made wonderful memories with his grandchildren every year for over 20 years. Expressions of sympathy may be given to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.

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