James R. Bell

Dr. James R. Bell of White Hall, Ark., passed away in his home on Saturday, August 21, 2021, at the age of 91. He was surrounded by his youngest daughter, Kandice, middle daughter, Kimbra, oldest child, Bruce, and his devoted wife of 60 years, Josephine. Dr. Bell made a peaceful transition to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ where he will join in Heaven his mother, Cassie, and his father, Fred. Dr. Bell was born and raised in Helena, Phillips County, Ark. Dr. Bell was a professor emeritus and director of the Learning Resources Center, now relocated and renamed the Dr. James R. Bell Learning Resources Center on the second floor of the Watson Memorial Library at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Dr. Bell enjoyed fishing, photography, technology, UAPB football and basketball, and especially the Arkansas Razorback basketball team under the head coach Nolan Richardson. He loved Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. where he was a lifetime member and served in various capacities in the Pine Bluff Alumni Chapter. Dr. Bell was a dedicated church member at St. Luke United Methodist. He served as a trustee and leader in many roles at his home church and other churches over which he led as pastor in Little Rock, Hensley, and Pine Bluff. Dr. Bell is survived by his wife and three children, as well his grandchildren, Kristin and Kamryn (Bruce) and Sam, Jr. and Alexandria (Kimbra). Dr. James R. Bell had a humble spirit and way about himself, a heart full of generosity, and was a giant of a resource to his family, friends, and community. The Memorial service of Dr. James Robert Bell is this Saturday, August 28, 2021, at 11 a.m. at St. Luke United Methodist Church, 32 School Street, Pine Bluff, Ark., 71602. Masks are required upon entry into the church and must be worn properly throughout the entire service, and there will be no exceptions. The services may also be viewed at the following link: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82882422870?pwd=WWk1aWJjU2NkbmphNWtGOTlCbS9YUT09 Meeting ID: 828 8242 2870 Passcode: 123 In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider contributing to Dr. Bell and his wife's scholarship fund, entitled the Dr. James R. and Dr. Josephine C. Bell Scholarship Fund. You can make an online gift: www.uapb.edu; place mouse on "Giving Tab" at top of screen; click "Make a Gift;" and complete form. All major credit cards are accepted. Mail check/money order to: University of Ark., at Pine Bluff Office of Development, Mail Slot 4981, Pine Bluff, Ark., 71601. Be sure to include the name of his scholarship fund on the memo line of your check or with your online donation. You may also call the Development Office directly: (870) 575-8701.