James Earl Bell

“An excellent husband loves one woman faithfully. An excellent father loves his children endlessly. He did both-beautifully.”

James Earl Bell, 83 of Statesville, NC was born September 11, 1942, in Bertie County to the late Joseph Holley Sr and Maggie Elizabeth Bell Leary. “Bud” or “Bell” as he was affectionately known, was a very humble, mild mannered and hard-working man. He attended the public schools of Bertie County.

He departed this life on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 7:55am at Iredell Memorial Hospital in Statesville, NC. He married Janice Marie Bell on August 28, 1964, and to this union, six children were born.

James was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Holley, Sr and his mother, Maggie Elizabeth Bell Leary; sister Bertha Wilson, brother Joseph “Sonny Boy” Holley, Jr and nephew Willie Bell, Jr.

He leaves to cherish his memory a loving wife, Janice, of 61+ years; six children(three boys & three girls), Mary (Cedric) Sharp of Hephzibah, GA, Shelia (Grady) Gaither of Statesville, NC, James(Miranda) Bell of Statesville, Barbara (Charles “Nick”) Clark of Statesville, NC, Shelton Bell of Harmony, NC and Joseph Bell of Statesville, NC; nine grandchildren, Tikara Braxton, Ashley Bell, Kenisha Phifer, Brittany Bell, Kennedy Bell, Gregory Graham, Jr, Jakala Murray, Jaden Bell and Shelton Bell, Jr. and seven great-grandchildren; three brothers, Joe “Peter” Bell of Merry Hill, Willie “Fleming” Bell of Middletown, CT and Leroy Bell(Jean) of Merry Hill; along with a host of other relatives and friends.

James worked as a forklift operator and retired from Southern States. He enjoyed gardening, working in the yard, cooking invest planning and spending time with his family.

James will be remembered for his quiet strength, gentle spirit, and unwavering dedication to his family. His legacy of love, humility, and hard work will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Pall Bearers

Family & Friends

Floral Bearers

Family & Friends

-Acknowledgement-

Our family would like to express our deepest appreciation for all acts of kindness rendered and generosity shown during our time of bereavement.