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A wonderful husband, father, and grandpa

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A wonderful husband, father, and grandpa

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Jim Bell, 81, died on August 31, 2021, at home in Boise, ID.

Jim was born on August 13, 1940 in Hailey, ID.  He was raised in Rupert, ID by his parents, John J Bell (Jock) and Emily Bell.  He has four siblings, Carolyn, Ina Mary, Marilyn, and Jock.

He graduated from the University of Idaho in 1962 and received his Masters in Animal Science in 1964.  He met his wife Kathy in college and they married in June of 1963.  They were married for 58 years.

His two children, Jonathan and Meghann, were both born and raised in Burley, Idaho.

He was a dedicated husband, father, brother, and son and always willing to lend a helping hand.  Passions throughout life included being a dad, farming, photography, cooking, painting, reading, gardening, woodworking, auctioneering, fishing, and hunting.  Being born and raised in Idaho he also never met a potato he didn't like.

In 2006 he suffered a stroke that took away most of his ability to speak, but it never took away his will to live the best life he could, for as long as he could.

He will be sorely missed and is survived by his wife Kathy.  Children: Jonathan Brock Bell (Sarah Flynn Bell) and Meghann Bell Ginder (Josh Ginder).  Grandchildren: Mackenzie Ginder and Emily Bell.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the American Stroke Association in his honor is appreciated.

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Please use this space to post memories, pictures, and messages for the family. Select the plus button located on the bottom right. Thank you!

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Please use this space to post memories, pictures, and messages for the family. Select the plus button located on the bottom right. Thank you!

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Dad, thank you for being such an amazing person and dad. You were always there for me, Meghann, and mom throughout our lives.  I hope you are now able to say all the things you have been wanting to say for the last 15 years.  You  deserve to have your voice back.   I love you so much and will miss you dearly.

Love,

Jon

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Dear Dad,
There was never a more kind and generous man than you. You gave everything to us and I will forever be grateful for all you taught me.

You may have lost your voice 15 years ago after your stroke, but never lost your spirit (or your ability to swear).

I will remember the twinkle in your eye that was always present when you saw Mackenzie and Emily. I will miss you forever and I’m grateful that you are now at peace.

Love,
Meghann

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Pictures of My Uncle Jim from his  trip in 2008 when we stopped in to see him and Aunt Kathy and at our Grandma's funeral in 2011.  

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Pictures of My Uncle Jim from his  trip in 2008 when we stopped in to see him and Aunt Kathy and at our Grandma's funeral in 2011.  

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Mike and Terri visiting Uncle Jim and Aunt Kathy in 2008.  

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Emily and her fried Becca visiting  in the backyard of Uncle Jim and Aunt Kathy's house.  Such a fun day! 

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Rick and Terri's Wedding in October of 2000. Uncle Jim and Meghann were both there to support us on this fabulous day!  Loved how all my aunts and uncles (along with my mom) took to the dance floor!

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Rick and Terri's Wedding in October of 2000. Uncle Jim and Meghann were both there to support us on this fabulous day!  Loved how all my aunts and uncles (along with my mom) took to the dance floor!

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While going through pictures, I found a few old ones that Grandma Bell had given to me years ago, it included a Bell family picture taken before I was born, I think the date is sometime in 1966! 

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While going through pictures, I found a few old ones that Grandma Bell had given to me years ago, it included a Bell family picture taken before I was born, I think the date is sometime in 1966! 

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I also found Aunt Carolyn and Uncle Bob's wedding photo! Uncle Jim is the 3rd guy on the right - in the light colored jacket! 

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I also found Aunt Carolyn and Uncle Bob's wedding photo! Uncle Jim is the 3rd guy on the right - in the light colored jacket! 

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I remember the night the below was taken, we were all in Salt Lake City at the hospital where Grandpa Bell was at before he passed.  This was the first time the brothers and sisters had been together in a while.  This was taken in 1984.  

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I remember the night the below was taken, we were all in Salt Lake City at the hospital where Grandpa Bell was at before he passed.  This was the first time the brothers and sisters had been together in a while.  This was taken in 1984.  

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Dear Uncle Jim,

You were always smiling!  I will never forget everytime I saw you, there was always a big hug and a great smile!  You were so amazingly talented at so many things and I still have pictures you took hanging on my wall. Anyone who comments I always let them know that my amazing uncle took that picture!  The day we came to visit you, there was an "equipment failure" of your photo printer, Rick helped you that day to get it fixed, you were so excited! Could not wait to print more of the amazing photos!  We love you and will miss you!!

Terri, Rick, David and Emily Hovdestad

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Always remembered his great service at the feed store in burley!  Was so pleasant to visit with.  Sorry for your loss, Diane Griswold

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I am a clinical supervisor at ISU and Jim was one of the first clients that helped us get our intensive aphasia program running.  I have this picture in my home and Jim was so talented with his picture taking and walking cane making, one year he gave one of our students a walking cane.  He continually gave his heart and I will never forget his kindness! -Amy

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Jim, you taught me to to live to fullest extent, regardless.  You are such an inspiration.   Always your friend, Kevin. 

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Jim, you taught me to to live to fullest extent, regardless.  You are such an inspiration.   Always your friend, Kevin. 

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I met Jim Bell in June of 2012 when we both participated in the Idaho State University aphasia program.

As a new stroke and aphasia survivor, I was despondent thinking that my life was over. Jim and Kate were so kind to my wife and me during that two-week program.

Later on, ISU asked Jim and some other survivors like me to start Idaho Aphasia, Apraxia and Dysarthria Support Group. Participating in that group helped all of us to connect and support each other.

During those years, Jim was an amazing presence in our life and our group. We met almost weekly for several years before the pandemic.

Through the years, Jim and I realized that we had so much more in common other than strokes and aphasia. Love of photography, involved in lending and real estate in the Magic Valley in Southern Idaho, etc. We realized that he knew my family from Rupert and Burley, Idaho.

In all of those meetings, Jim never felt sorry for himself. He glowed describing his family, trips to Seattle, the canes he made, photography, current affairs, etc.

You might be wondering how we would know that because Jim lost the ability to speak because of strokes and aphasia. Sometimes we would play charades Kate would interpret for him.

However, it got to the point that Jim was such a fluid communicator but I didn’t think about his speech. His wry sense of humor, his laughter and raising an eyebrow was enough.

A stroke and aphasia could be a curse, Jim made the most of his life. He helped me through his example of courage. I am so grateful for his friendship and his example.

Mark Dunham