Walter "Jim" J. Bell
Walter J. "Jim" Bell
Walter J. "Jim" Bell, 83, of Edgemont, S.D. died May 1, 2008 at Custer Regional Senior Care Center in Custer, S.D.
Jim was born April 11, 1925 to James Delbert and Dorothy Phelps Bell on the Battle Creek Ranch east of Hermosa, S.D. Shortly there after, Dorothy died. Jim spent the next four years with his grandparents, Dudley and Jessie Phelps.
James Delbert married Florence Soske in the spring of 1929. The family lived in Ardmore, S.D. and Harrison, Neb. returning to the Red Canyon Ranch north of Edgemont in 1939. Jim graduated from Edgemont High School in 1942. In 1948 they bought the Edgemont Sale Barn operating it until the early 1950's.
On June 24, 1950 Jim married Rosa Mills of Edgemont. From this union they had three sons, Jim, Bill and Rocky. In 1957 Jim took over the Standard Oil bulk dealership until 1977, later he was hired on the Burlington Northern retiring in 1990.
In 1983 Rosa passed away and Jim married Lenore Peterson of Edgemont on July 24, 1987. Jim was the piano player in the dance band "The Jumpin Jacks" in the 1950's, also a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge of Edgemont.
He was preceded in death by his parents and wife Rosa.
Jim is survived by his wife of 20 years, Lenore; sons, Jim (Patty), Bill (Carol) and Rocky (Kathy) of Alliance, Neb. Grandchildren; Jesse, Joshua, Liberty, Chad (Valery), Jamie (Jeff), Charlie (Courtney), Brandon (Angie), Holly (Rafael); five great grandsons; three step-children, Judy (Cap Ferguson), Wayne Peterson, Bruce (Sharon) Peterson, seven step-grandchildren and eleven step-great grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held at a later date. Memorials may be sent to Lenore Bell, 116 Scott St., Edgemont, S.D. 57735.
Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Edgemont, SD. Written condolences may be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.