James Bell, Sr.

Born in Memphis, TN on September 28, 1949

Departed on April 8, 2015 and resided in Nashville, TN

James A. "Jim" Bell, Sr. - Age 65 passed away April 8, 2015. He was born on September 28, 1949 in Memphis, TN, and attended Overton High School and later the University of Memphis where he was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. Jim later went on to join the Tennessee National Guard, and to work in the cosmetic industry in sales for companies such as Revlon, Warner and Vidal Sassoon. He enjoyed sports, and was an avid fan of the Tennessee Titans, Memphis Grizzlies and followed Memphis basketball his whole life.
Jim married his wife, May Bell, on August 5, 1968. Their love story began when they met at the University of Memphis. They went on to have three children, James Alan "Alan" Bell, Jr., Kimberly Bell Esser (Nick), and Megan Bell Byars (Andrew), and were later blessed with 6 grandchildren, Kathryn Bell Jumbeck, James Alan "AJ" Bell, III, Haley Allison Bell, Isabella May "Bella" Byars, Andrew Lee "Little Man" Byars, Jr. and Madison Lynn "Maddie" Esser. Jim was a loving dad, but he was human-he was an outstanding granddaddy without exception.
He was extremely educated and knowledgeable. His Family was his life. They camped, fished, hiked and boated on several lakes. He was an outdoorsman who loved to hunt and watch nature. Every year, they took a family vacation to the ocean where Jim would teach them to ride the waves and fish off the beaches. May and Jim took many special trips overseas; London, Tuscany, Rome, Paris, Morocco, St. Lucia, Jamaica, Belize, Bahamas, Hawaii, and the Virgin Islands to list a few. They loved to snorkel together everywhere they went. Jim loved his wife unconditionally- this was a love story. They loved each other through many life situations. They have always been soul mates for life. Jimmy protected his sweet wife until he took his very last breath.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2015 at 1:00pm with interment to follow. Visitation will be on Friday, April 10, 2015 from 4:00-7:00pm and again on Saturday from 11:00am until time of service. All services and visitation will be held at HARPETH HILLS FUNERAL HOME, 9090 Hwy. 100 Nashville, TN (615)646-9292 www.harpethhillsfh.com