Obituaries

Jim Bell

Ernest James "Jim" Bell Jr., 81, of Tequesta, Fla., and Montezuma, N.C., passed away on Monday, June 23, 2014, in Johnson City, Tenn. Born on Dec. 5, 1932 in Chattanooga to the late Ernest James Bell and Gertrude Fitzpatrick Dixon, Jim was retired captain from the Chattanooga Fire Dept. after 25 years of service. After his retirement, Jim relocated to Florida and worked for the St. Lucie Nuclear Power Plant in Security. Jim retired a second time from the Waterford Life Care Retirement Community in Juno Beach, Fla. Jim and Norma then split the year between Florida and North Carolina. Jim was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving in the Korean Conflict. He attended Beacon Baptist Church in Jupiter, Fla. and Aaron Baptist Church on Montezuma and First Baptist Church Newland, N.C. He was an active member of the Avery County D.A.V. and enjoyed fishing and being a handy man around his house. Along with his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his sisters, Mildred Gann, Irene Ford; brothers, Thomas Bell, Arthur Bell; and loving stepfather, Harry Dixon. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Norma Dickerson Bell; daughters, Connie Rae, Moses Lake, Wash., and Lori (Jon) Harden, Hixson; son, Dennis (Donna) Bell, Ooltewah; grandchildren, Aaron Barbatti, Nick (Julia) Lane, Eric Lane, Lauren Bell; his precious schnauzer, Pepper. Graveside services will be at 11:30 a.m. Friday with the Honorable Judge Clarence Shattuck officiating. Visit www.heritagefh.com to share words of comfort to the family. The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. today at Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 East Brainerd Road.

Published June 26, 2014

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