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James Louis Bell, Jr., 91, proud World War II Marine Veteran passed peacefully September 15, 2014, at the Trinity Mission Nursing home in Italy, TX. Junior was born in Frost, TX on June 18, 1923, to the late James Louis Bell and Martha Ester Glenn Bell where he was the 5th of 7 children. As a young boy his family moved from Navarro County, TX to the Rio Grande Valley, where his father started farming. While growing up, Junior worked on the farm with his dad and brothers. He graduated from McAllen High School in 1941. After graduation, he continued to farm on a larger scale before enlisting in the Marines where he served with the 3rd Battalion, 28th Marines, Fifth Division, in WWII at Iwo Jima. Of the 38 men in his platoon, Junior was 1 out of 4 who survived. He witnessed the infamous hoist of the American flag on the peak at Iwo Jima and was awarded a Purple Heart for his service. Upon his return from war, he met and married Betty Flo Jean Landers in 1948. Junior continued farming and then moved his family to Missouri to pursue ranching; however, he ultimately returned to the Valley to farm once again. He retired in the early 1990's where he lived in San Antonio working in the cattle business with his son, Jimmie, and later returned to the Valley to work for the Bell Bros. in the water well drilling business. He was a Charter Member of Weslaco Elks Lodge No. 2057 for 58 years and Life Member of VFW Post 837 in San Antonio. J.L. Bell, Jr. is survived by his son, Jimmie Bell of Happy, TX; daughter, Vicki Sheridan of Italy, TX and husband Gary; grandson Jay Bell and wife Sam of Happy, TX; granddaughter Kelle Bell; granddaughter Hilary Silvers and husband Tommy of Midlothian, TX ; grandson Cody Sheridan of Italy, TX; granddaughter Courtney Kalinoski and husband Jeff; grandson Jason Vacek and wife Sheila both of San Antonio, TX; and his 7 great grandchildren: Rankin, Krissy, LynDe, Lane, Colton, Sheridan, and Gavin. Junior will be remembered as a great American hero, who loved his Country, but most importantly, he will be remembered as a loving and devoted father and Poppy. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 26th from 10am to 11am at Mission Park Chapels South located at 1700 SE Military Dr; San Antonio, TX 78214. Following the visitation, at 1:45pm, a graveside service will be held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery located at 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road; San Antonio, TX 78209. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 and/or to the Heroes Project, 4287 Belt Line Rd #268, Addison, TX 75001.

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James Louis Bell, Jr

June 18, 1923 - September 15, 2014