James Edward Bell
James Edward Bell , age 94, formerly of Terre Du Lac, Missouri died November 1, 2021, at Meadowbrook Residential Care in Pilot Knob, Missouri. He was born in Black, Missouri in northern Reynolds County to the late Andrew George and Juanita Irene (nee Arisman) Bell on June 12, 1927.
James attended a one room school at Edge Hill for all his eight elementary grades, as well as Lesterville and Centerville for his High School years. He also attended Flat River Jr. College in Flat River, Missouri and Missouri State in Springfield, Missouri.
He married Opal Goggin on April 30, 1960. They were the parents of one daughter, Andrea Susan Bell Mahler Pruett who resides in Terre Du Lac.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Opal, a son- in law, Joseph Lee Mahler and a sister, Edith Bell Walker. He is survived by his daughter, Andrea (Steven) Pruett, two grandsons, Brandon James (Michelle) Mahler and Bryce Steven Pruett; two great-granddaughters, Belle and Monroe; and two great-grandsons, Branch and Maris.
James served his country proudly in World War II and the Korean conflict. Regional History and Genealogy was his passion for fifty years where he authored nine books and co-authored two. He has also researched and written many history articles for various publications. Another passion he had was playing baseball with his grandsons. He took great pride in being able to play ball into his mid 80’s.
James worked for Ameren UE (Union Electric) for thirty-one years, always in Power Production. He spent ten years in the steam generating plants in St. Louis and twenty-one years at Taum Sauk Plant, where he retired February 1988 as General Supervisor.
Pallbearers: Gary Walker, Steve Pruett, Brandon Mahler, Bryce Pruett, Bill Bryant, and Brett Joseph.
A Celebration of Life service was held on Saturday, November 6, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. from Bryson Funeral Home. Visitation began at 11:00 a.m. prior to the service. Burial was at the Black River Cemetery in Black, Missouri.
In lieu of flowers please give memorials to the Black River Cemetery Association c/o Patty Barton (treasurer) P.O. Box 81 Lesterville, MO 63654
