James "Jim" Bell

Jim was born to Eternal Life on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at the age of 84, at Care-Age of Brookfield, Wisconsin. He was born in Janesville on August 13, 1939, to Clement and Margaret (Atkinson) Bell. Jim grew up at the end of the Great Depression and enjoyed scouts, picnics, fairs, sandlot baseball, and his job on the paper route.

Jim met Barbara Hosni at a dance mixer. Jim was the president of their school’s Newman Club, and Barb was the secretary. Their shared interests threw them together often, and they fell in love and were married on January 28, 1961. Jim and Barb enjoyed camping, fishing, and spending time with their large extended family. Jim and Barb were married for 63 years.

Jim was the loving father of Thomas C. (Judy) Bell and James R. (Randi) Bell. When his kids were young, the family went on countless camping and fishing adventures and spent many weekends at their cabin on Bass Lake in Delta, Wisconsin. Jim was a scout master and loved scouting trips with the boys. Jim was also elected to the North Scott school board. Jim was a fan of sports, and he often took his boys to baseball, hockey, and football games.

Jim was the cherished grandfather of Jessica (Patrick) Last, Zachary (Kelly) Bell, Alec (Emilie) Bell, and Tyler Bell and the dear great-grandfather of Emerson, Beckett, Austen and Peyton. He loved cheering on his grandkids at their sporting events and school concerts. Jim had a competitive spirit that he showed off when playing games like dominoes and corn hole with his family. He loved time spent up north and sharing his birthday with his grandson.

Jim was a people person who loved his corny jokes and made friends easily. He was a successful sales representative. Jim enjoyed retirement and spent his days watching baseball games and hanging out with the guys at his condo. He loved bowling, festivals, and taking trips to visit his grandkids at college and other family vacations.

Jim is survived by his brother John (Barbara) Bell, his sister Mary Kay (Steve) White, and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his brother Thomas.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Michael J. Fox Foundation or the Parkinson's Foundation in Jim's name is appreciated.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 5, 2024, from 10:00 AM until the time of Memorial Mass at 12:00 PM at St. Jerome Catholic Church (995 S. Silver Lake St. Oconomowoc, WI 53066). A small luncheon will follow in the parish cafeteria.