James Richard Bell Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

James Richard Bell, 87, of Oakley, passed away on Sunday, December 20, 2020, at Prairie Rose Health Care Center in Pana, IL. James was born February 11, 1933, in Fairfield, IL to Richard McKinley and Lula Bell (Barnhouse) Bell. He proudly served in the United States Army. James worked as a carpenter and was a lifetime member of Carpenters Local 742. He also worked at Firestone for over 20 years as a Millwright. He married Dorothy L. Ellis on January 31, 1953 in Decatur, IL. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Dorothy; his three daughters, Penelope (Gerald) Hicks of Mt. Zion, IL, Ramona (Thomas) Benedict of Phoenix, NY and Tammy (Jim) Cook of LeRoy, IL; six grandchildren, Nick (Alix) Hicks, Jacob Cook, Josh (Melanie) Cook, Emily (Scott) Coley, Nathan Cook and Tyler Cook; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; four sons, James Richard Bell, Jr., Rodney Bell and infant twin boys at birth; three sisters, Betty Babb, Mary Glatz and LaDawn Simms. James was a hardworking man who put his family first. He was often found outdoors working in his garden, mowing or doing various home improvement projects. His favorite pastime was fishing, which he did as often as he could. Honoring James’s wishes, cremation services will be provided by the Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 2091 N. Oakland Ave. Decatur, IL. Memorials may be directed to the National Kidney Foundation (www.nkfi.org) or Hope For The Warriors 8003 Forbes Place Suite 201, Springfield, VA, 22151. Please view the online obituary, send condolences, and share memories at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.

James Richard Bell

February 11, 1933 - December 20, 2020