James Marshall Bell passed away peacefully at home February 19, 2025, at the age of 80. He was preceded in death by his loving parents Sam and Clara Bell. James is survived by his devoted, loving wife and best friend of 58 years, Linda Kay Bell, daughter Tracy Bell Real, proudly carrying on his tradition of law enforcement with the Houston Police Department, having served over 30 years, and son-in-law Dale Alexander Real, granddaughters Savannah Belle Real and Rebekah Joy Real. Two adoring sisters, Sherry Nott and husband Michael, Sammy Cox and husband Terry, sister-in-law Karey Guenther and husband Larry, along with numerous precious nieces, great nieces and one great nephew. We are also honored to recognize the care and support provided by Devotion Hospice, especially the love and compassion shown from Laura Ross, his nurse, and Larrionne McDaniels, his aide.

James or "Jimmy" was born in Alice, Texas, October 14, 1944, and lived most of his life in the Houston, Magnolia, TX area. He met Linda at Westbury Baptist Church while both were attending church along with their active youth group activities, and she wouldn't give up until he caught her. James proudly served in the United States Army 1966-1968, serving one tour of duty in Vietnam with the 25th Infantry, Wolfhounds, honorably receiving the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, ending his tour of duty in Fort Lewis, Washington as a Sgt. instructing new recruits on the hand grenade range. James spent the majority of his career in law enforcement, including the Houston Police Department, retiring with his own private investigation agency.

Jimmy was truly captivated with his two granddaughters, treasuring the weekends he and Linda could spend with them doing activities and going to church together as they grew to fine Christian young women. While he could, Jimmy was an avid fisherman, and enjoyed numerous vacations on Padre Island catching redfish then bass on Lake Conroe with his family. He was blessed with his time and fellowship at Benui Baptist Church for 38 years, and felt honored with active participation in the Church under the leadership of his father-in-law, now deceased, Reverend Leroy Wilson and current pastor Reverend John C. Lockwood. After the Lord, his relationship with Linda was his most valuable possession, truly knowing what honoring "to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish until death do us part" really means. He has left a place that can't be filled in our hearts for those that really knew and loved him, but we know we'll see him again in Heaven. A joyous thought.