Jim Bell
James "Jim" Patrick Bell, 49, Wellsville, died Oct. 9, 2003, at Olathe Medical Center.
Jim Bell was born Dec. 25, 1953, in Marion, the son of Harold and Maxine (Gillispie) Bell. He grew up in Marion and attended school here until his sophomore year when his family moved to Olathe. He graduated from Olathe High School in 1971.
After high school he worked at the Kentucky Fried Chicken in Olathe where he met his future wife. On Sept. 7, 1974, he married Ardith Madden in Olathe. They were married 29 years before his death. Ardith survives at the home.
After his marriage, Jim worked for RO Products for several years before taking a position with the Kansas Department of Transportation in Olathe. Jim had been employed by KDOT for the past 26 years.
He served as a Reserve Police Officer, served on the Wellsville Fire Department, Wellsville High School Site Council, Wellsville Booster Club, and operated the concessions at Saddle Club Fields in Wellsville with his family.
Jim loved to watch his kids play sports, enjoyed oldies music, and old cars.
He is survived by his wife; two sons, Chris Bell and wife Kasey and their expectant son Jaycob Christopher of Pittsburg and Michael Bell of the home; brother Rick Bell and wife Mary Ann of Newton; two sisters, Cheri and husband Jim Corn of Belton, Mo., and Debbie and husband Ron Navrat of McPherson; his father and mother-in-law, Lloyd and Madelyn Madden of Ottawa; sisters-in-law, Lanita Roberts, Jayna Madden, Marcella Daugherty, all of Ottawa and Karolyn Hopkins of Gardner; brother-in-law Milton Madden of Ottawa; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded by his parents and two nieces.
Funeral services were Monday at the Wellsville Baptist Church. Burial was in the Wellsville Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Jim Bell Memorial Fund.
