Roll Call Tribute

James Daniel Bell, Jr. 

May 5, 1927 - March 30, 2024 

James (Jim) D. Bell, Jr., a man of adventure, intellect, and a love for his family, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2024, at the age of 96 in Dallas, Texas.

Jim was born on May 5, 1927, in Preston Bend, Texas, alongside his twin sister Jean. He was the son of James D. Bell and Mabel Jackson and had an older sister named Dorothy.

In 1946, following his graduation from Gainesville High School, Jim enlisted in the United States Army. This took him to the Korean peninsula, where he served for 14 months before the outbreak of the Korean War.

Upon his return from service, Jim pursued higher education, graduating from Texas A&M University in 1950. He began his professional career with Mid-Continent Supply. One of his job postings was in Williston, North Dakota. It was during this time that fate intervened, leading him on a blind date, where he met the love of his life, Marilyn Kline. On Valentine's Day in 1953, Jim and Marilyn exchanged vows, marking the beginning of a lifelong companionship filled with adventure and shared dreams that would span over six decades.

Jim accepted a position relocating them to Maracaibo, Venezuela, in South America. They flew into Caracas in the middle of a coup and were trapped in a hotel with a newborn baby. They settled into their new home in Maracaibo, and undeterred by challenges, they thrived, creating lasting memories and lifelong friendships.

While in Maracaibo, Jim's career led him to Sun Oil Company International, where he later transitioned into the company's global operations side and the family moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1970. His work took him to every corner of the globe, including Europe, Africa, the Middle East, South America, and the Far East.

In 1976, Jim and his family moved to Texas, briefly living in Dallas, then in Houston, and then back to Dallas, where they put down roots. Jim retired in 1987 and started a new chapter in life, allowing him to indulge in his passions for travel, fishing, gardening, literature, cinema, and spending time with his family.

Above all else, Jim was a devoted husband and father. He and Marilyn raised two children, Mark and Pam. Their home was filled with love, laughter, and the presence of their beloved dachshunds, a breed that held a special place in Jim's heart since his days in North Dakota.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn, and his children Mark and Pam. His legacy lives on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Jim's life will be celebrated in the Wildwood Chapel at Restland Memorial Park at 2:00PM on Monday, April 29, 2024.