James H. Bell was born the son of Loranzy and Pearl Bell on January 9, 1934, in Grenada Mississippi, and died December 4, 2018, at his residence in Grenada, Mississippi.

James was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Kaler Jadwin-Bell. James and Ruth enjoyed over 30 years together happily married.

He is survived by sons, Lonnie Bell, of Angleton, Texas and Ken Bell and wife Sonya, and their mother, Jean Bell, of Gore Springs, Mississippi; Daughter, Lynn Cantu and husband Fred, of Angleton, Texas; Sister Shirley Tindall, of Grenada, Mississippi.

He also leaves to mourn his passing, grandchildren, Holly Bell, Rachael Woods, Matthew Bell, Jamie Bell, Karri Bell, Adison Bell, Cassie Marksbury, Alana Cantu, and Oliva Cantu; and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Loranzy and Pearl Bell; Brothers Charles, Bobby, and Gene Bell; Sons Larry and Gerald Bell.

Before retirement, James was a successful businessman, owning several fast food restaurants. He was also a brilliant inventor in which he developed and built an electric chainless bicycle and heat exchanger, both patented. He loved working on machinery. He was known for his words of wisdom, dedication, and positive outlook on life, putting a smile on everyone's face. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather and will truly be missed by his family and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM Friday, December 7, 2018 at McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service.  Interment will follow in the Philadelphia Baptist Church Cemetery in Webster County.  The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM until service time Friday at McKibben and Guinn.