James H. Bell Jr, devoted husband, adored uncle and beloved friend, passed away peacefully Thursday morning, July 16th, aged 93 years old. Family, friends and neighbors called him Uncle Jimmy, Jimmy and Mr. Jim. Above all he was kind and will be dearly missed.

Jimmy was born and raised in Friendship, Tennessee. His early years were spent with his beloved sister Jane on the family farm. His spring and summer nights were spent tuned into KMOX radio listening to the St. Louis Cardinals.

After serving two years with the US Army, he moved to Nashville where friends introduced him to the love of his life, Joyce. They played the long game, dating for nearly 25 years before marrying in 1986. They had 32 happy years together on Kenner Avenue, regularly entertaining family and friends and rooting for the Vanderbilt Commodores. Jimmy and Joyce were founding members of Covenant Baptist Church in Bellevue.

Jimmy took daily walks in West Nashville, befriending neighbors along the way. His humorous character always came out when chasing squirrels from his bird feeders, telling stories and sitting with a bowl of ice cream, his favorite. One of his most infamous stories was when he was caught eating ice cream while sleepwalking.

The bulk of his career was spent with the railroad, working the overnight shift as a switchman, keeping freight moving through Nashville. After retirement, he dedicated his time to tending his vegetable garden and serving others by driving cancer patients to medical treatments, delivering meals on wheels, and helping friends in need. He shared his passion for fishing with his young nephews, always finding ways to drop a line in a nearby creek. Around the holidays, he was known for gifting his handmade peanut brittle. It was his way of letting you know he was thinking about you. While Jimmy and Joyce never owned a dog, he never met a dog he didn’t love. In the last few years Zeke, Ruby Mae, and Hazel were his special four-legged visitors that always put a smile on his face.

He is survived by his loving family: nieces, Pattye Taylor-Phillips (Matt), Betsy Welch (Jack), Julie Taylor, and Laura Clark (Steve); great-nephews Clay Welch (Mary), Taylor Welch (Meghan), Nathan Welch, Brendan Phillips (Katie), Matt Phillips Jr. (Melanie), Tony Phillips (Colleen); great-nieces Olivia Lofton (Rodd), Emily Solinger (Stefan), and Sara Clemmons (James). Cousin Rebecca Hodges (John), and great-great nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Bell, parents James Hunter Bell Sr. and Lillian Bell, sister Jane Bell, brother-in-laws Garrett Allen and Ray Taylor, sister-in-laws Marguerite Allen and Carolyn Taylor.

The family extends special thanks to his wonderful, devoted caregivers Gwen Allen and Marion Towle.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Covenant Baptist Church, 8201 McCrory Lane, Nashville, TN 37221 in honor of Jim Bell.