Biography: James W. Bell, known to all as Jim, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2024, at the age of 94. A resident of Little Rock, Arkansas for his entire life, Jim lived a long and impactful life.

Born in 1929, Jim was the eldest child of Edna Christina Haffner Bell and Thacher Winfred Bell, Jr. He graduated from Little Rock Central High School and went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising at the prestigious School of Commerce at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. Love found him in Newark, Illinois, where he married Ruth Fletcher.

Jim’s career began at the Bush Caldwell Company in downtown Little Rock. In 1972, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by opening Publishers Bookshop at Tanglewood Center, a haven for bibliophiles in Little Rock.

Beyond his successful business, Jim was a man deeply invested in his community. A founding member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Little Rock in 1960, his contributions ranged from Chairing the Membership Committee, to creating the sign for the newly-built church on Reservoir Road in 1964, to serving as the congregation’s Treasurer.

His community dedication extended to Toastmasters International, the Fiction Writers Group of Central Arkansas, the Briarwood Area Neighborhood Association, the Pulaski County Historical Society (President and Board Member), and a cherished bridge club that thrived for decades.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Ruth, and their daughters: Susan Leon (Rafael), Anne Bell, Elizabeth Bell (Jill Peterson), and Charlotte Crawford (Paul).

Jim is also survived by his grandchildren: April Sinha (Nikhil), Heddy Kerestes (Justin), Noel Leon (Rachel Shalev), Mary Balmer (Alexander), Daniel Leon (Haley Creed), Gabrielle Anand (Raja), David Bell, Lucy Kirby (Augustus), John Anderson (Sara), Inge Anderson, Dante Leon, Alex Crawford, and Isabel Crawford. In addition, Jim is survived by great-grandchildren: Peter, Benjamin, James, Charles, Lewis, and Wesley Kerestes; Eva, Andrew, and Jack Balmer; Theodore and Magnolia Sinha; Naomi and Natalie Shalev-Leon; and Mathurin Kirby.

Jim is survived by his sister: Joan Crockett. He is also survived by nephews: James Crockett, John Crockett, and Robert Crockett. Jim Bell is survived as well by his niece: Anne Warfield.

A private family burial service for Jim is scheduled July 13, 2024 at Forest Hills Cemetery, Alexander, AR.

A Memorial Service celebrating Jim Bell’s life will take place at 2:00 PM, July 13, 2024, in the sanctuary at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Little Rock, 1818 Reservoir Road, Little Rock, AR.

The family suggests memorial donations be made to: The Endowment Fund at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Little Rock; or to The Stuttering Foundation of America, Memphis, TN. We will miss him dearly. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com