James Stephen Steward Bell of Newbury, MA (formally of Newburyport) passed away at age 94 peacefully on the morning of March 4, 2021 at Brigham Health and Rehabilitation Center with the care of his staff and loving nurses.
He was born on December 9, 1926 in Newburyport, Massachusetts. James was the oldest son of predeceased James and Lucinda (Noyes) Bell; and siblings Helen, Kenny, Fred and Rita Bell. They were descendants of the first settlers of Newbury. He grew up with his 6 siblings on Bromfield Street, and attended schools in Newburyport. After school he joined the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Korea and the Phillippines, and worked as a Photographer Technician. He served for 2 years, and received the Asiatic Deficit Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Phillipian Independent Ribbon. After being honorably discharged, he worked at the Colonial Woodheel Factory in Lynn for over 30 years to provide for his family. Once he retired, he continued working at Shirley Lattime’s Peppersteak Stand during the summers.
He was a loving husband of 42 years to the late Carol (Tindle) Bell of Salisbury Massachusetts and father to surviving son Jeffrey Bell and wife Cindy (Smart) Bell of Newbury, MA and daughter Cheryl (Bell) Kirby of Epping, NH. He leaves behind 4 grandchildren (Michelle Kirby-Holmes, Sarah, Casey and Meghan Bell); 2 great-grandchildren (Jasmin Kirby-Holmes and Ryleigh Holmes); and one great-great grandson (Michael Parks). In addition he is survived by his brother Francis Bell and sister Barbara (Bell) Welch.
James was a loving, caring man who was always known as “The Man of Many Watches” (the collection is like no other)! Everyone knew Jimmy, and loved talking with him. He also loved to dance, Foxwood bus trips, plant tomatoes, dress “wicked sharp”, watch mystery shows and movies (especially The Godfather Saga), tinker around in his woodshop, and make up his own vocabulary. Having family around was so important to him, and filled his heart with so much joy.
Private Services were held for family invitation only on March 6, 2021. The Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home 193 High St. Newburyport, MA 01950 is assisting Mr. Bell’s family with his funeral arrangements.
Any donations can be sent to Brigham Health and Rehabilitation Center for activities for the residents.
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