James E. "Jim" Bell

Age 97, passed away on Sunday, September 23, 2018 in Plainwell, MI. He was born on February 9, 1921 in Creal Springs, IL, to the late Frank B. and Grace (VanderWall) Bell. Jim attended machinist classes at Western Michigan College before enlisting in the USMC in 1942. He served the entirety of the war in the Pacific Theatre and was honorably discharged in 1945 as a sergeant. He returned home and joined his father in running the Bell Greenhouse family business, where he worked until 1980. Jim also served as the Comstock Township Treasurer for many years. In June of 1949, Jim married the former Margaret Peters who preceded him in death on January 31, 2016. Jim was also preceded in death by four siblings. Surviving are four children and their spouses, John & Deborah Bell, Cathy & Paul McClain, Sarah & Tom Hildebrand and Scott & Karen Bell; nine grandchildren; six great grandchildren; a brother, Frank Bell; and many nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place. Graveside services with military honors will be held Wednesday, October 10th at 1:00 pm in Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Those wishing to attend the service should be in the cemetery assembly area by 12:45-1:00 pm. Memorials may be directed to Disabled American Veterans. Please visit Jim's webpage for full obituary, directions, online guest book or to leave a condolence. www.langelands.com