James Bell

James Lackey Bell also known as Jimmie or Papa Jimmy went to be with his lord on June 25th 2017 at the age of 91. He went with a peaceful bliss at his home in Gulfport, Mississippi. Jimmie was born July 25th, 1925 and what a blessing he was. A dancing man. A man full of laughter. A man full of jokes. And most importantly a man full of life.
Jimmie had so many accomplishments over the years, and he will be remembered for the way he could make everyone in the room laugh. There had never been a day nor a moment that he was not smiling, laughing, or joking. He was someone to be admired, someone to be looked up too.
An outstanding man who had nothing but ambition in his eyes. He was the kind of man who no matter what, always saw happiness and beauty in the world. Age did not matter to him as he would stand up and start dancing all his best dance moves with his grandchildren. Jimmie had an intriguing and exciting life as a journalist for the Sun/Daily Herald over a span of 37 years and was presented with many honors. He loved what he did, he was a miraculous writer, he was a free spirit, and he was a man who was more than extraordinary. He expressed his witty and breathtaking words on to paper like he was born to do just that.
Jimmie was proud of his magazine that he created, a magazine of poems and stories. These poems were sent to him from people all around the United States. Inspired by Jimmie's way with words they sent his poems to be published in his renowned magazine, The Bells Letters.
He could not deny his incredible commitment to his late wife Ann Bell. Jimmie married the love of his life in January 24, 1959. To the adventurous and beautiful soul of Mrs. Ann Bell. His wife of 53 years passed 5 years before him. He is now in her embrace once again to share their love for eternity. He also surpassed his mother Bonita Bell, father James Bell and brother Harold Bell. A person who lived in pure happiness is who Jimmie was and the world has lost someone very special this week. He loved his family more than words can express.
Survivors of the beloved Jimmie are his five children, daughter, Stacy Huffman (Steve), and four sons, William Bell (Linda), Steve (Jane) Bell, Jeffery Bell (Regina), and Anthony Bell. Jimmie had fourteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren who loved him so much.
A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 29, 2017 in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens, Gulfport. RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport is serving the family.