James Knepp Bell

James Knepp Bell, of Schoolcraft passed away on Saturday, November 30, 2019 at the age of 78. James was the son of Ramsay and Virginia (Knepp) Bell. He was born on November 3, 1941 in Washington, D.C. James graduated from Schoolcraft High School in 1959. After high school he attended Michigan State University for a short time, before coming home to work. His family described him as independent, being a creative thinker, unconventional, having a business mind, and a naturalist. In the 80’s his family owned Bell’s Family Restaurant in Schoolcraft. He also owned Bell Real Estate and worked in his later years at Harding’s in Schoolcraft. Jim was a proud lifetime member of the Schoolcraft Lions Club. His hobbies included bow hunting, bowling and he enjoyed a good poker game. James is survived by his four children: James (Maureen) Bell, of Portage; Shane (Donna) Bell, of FL; Tim (Sonja) Bell, of LA; and Tamara (Don) Trudeau, of NV; 11 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Jeff (Vicki) Bell, of Schoolcraft. A memorial gathering will be held on Friday, December 6, 2019 from 12noon until 2pm at the Avink Funeral Home & Cremation Society, 129 S. Grand, Schoolcraft. The burial of his ashes will follow immediately after at the Schoolcraft Cemetery. Please visit James’ webpage at www.avinkcremation.com where you can read his obituary, and share a memory and/or photo. In lieu of flowers please make contributions to the Schoolcraft Lions Club. The family is being served by the Avink Funeral Home & Cremation Society, 129 South Grand, Schoolcraft, MI 49087 (269-679-5622).