James Eugene “Colonel Jim” Bell, 88, of Pevely died Sept. 20, 2020, in St. Louis County. Mr. Bell was a Korean War-era veteran of the U.S. Army and a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Festus-Crystal City and later New Testament Baptist Church. He served as a deacon and had taught Sunday School for 47 years. He worked for many years in construction but later changed over to auctioneering. He was a people person and loved meeting new friends through auctioneering, but his greatest passion was witnessing and leading people to Christ. He was born March 16, 1932, in Edge Hill, the son of the late Stella Mae (Pettijohn) and Marion Alfred Bell.
He is survived by his wife: Opal “Fay” (Farmer) Bell; a daughter Sheree Fay Bell of St. Louis; two sons: Robin Gene (Moralyn) Bell of Crystal City and Brent (Devon) Bell of St. Louis; four grandchildren: Johnathan Bell, Ashley Clayton, Lauren Bell and Luke Bell; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by six brothers and seven sisters.
Visitation is scheduled from 4-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at Vinyard Funeral Home, 616 W. Main St., in Festus. Visitation is from 10 a.m. until a funeral service at noon Saturday, Oct. 3, at the funeral home, officiated by the Rev. Gene Spurgeon. Burial will follow in Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens in Crystal City. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.