James Richard Bell, 72, of Rexburg died Friday, February 4, 2011 at his home from natural causes. He was born November 5, 1938 in Kalispell, Montana to Dorothy Heck and Harvey Bell.

He grew up in Kalispell Montana. He lived in Kalispell, Whitefish and Libby Montana, Lacey and Olympia, Washington, as well as Sugar City, Salem and Rexburg, Idaho.

He worked for Wharehouser in Lacey, Washington manufacturing cardboard for many years before coming to the Rexburg area. After coming to Rexburg he worked for Porter's Printing and Artco as a paper cutter.

He was member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He served in the military at Fort Lewis, Washington during the Vietnam War.

He liked auto mechanic work, carpentry, fishing, hunting and camping.

He is survived by his children, Coleen Callais, Lindy Halvorsen, Richard (Sherri) Bell, Naomi Walter, Cheryl (Boyd) Durham, Sarah (Steve) Lewis, Kari (Jacob) Hanes, Aaron Bell, Joseph (Heidi) Bell, as well as 25 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister Elnora Dye.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 4 brothers, 3 sisters, a son, Michael, and a granddaughter, Marianne.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 11, at the Rexburg LDS 3rd Ward Chapel, Bishop Paul Johanson officating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the church prior to services. Interment will be in the Rexburg Cemetery.