Walter James Bell Jr.'s Obituary
Walter James (Jim) Bell Jr., age 86 of Lewes, DE passed away on Sunday April 12th, 2026, at his home after a brief illness. Jim was born in Salisbury, MD on October 27th, 1939, son of the late Walter James Bell Sr. and Ruth Elinor Hastings. Jim was raised in Seaford, DE and graduated in 1957 from Seaford High School where he lettered in both basketball and baseball. He married the late Catharine Latimer Ross in Seaford, DE on June 24th, 1961, before moving to Lewes, DE the same summer. They celebrated 60 wonderful years together.
Walter James (Jim) Bell Jr., age 86 of Lewes, DE passed away on Sunday April 12th, 2026, at his home after a brief illness. Jim was born in Salisbury, MD on October 27th, 1939, son of the late Walter James Bell Sr. and Ruth Elinor Hastings. Jim was raised in Seaford, DE and graduated in 1957 from Seaford High School where he lettered in both basketball and baseball. He married the late Catharine Latimer Ross in Seaford, DE on June 24th, 1961, before moving to Lewes, DE the same summer. They celebrated 60 wonderful years together.
Jim was the owner and proprietor of Bell Shades and Floor Coverings, running the Lewes store from 1961 to 1993. His work trucks all carried the funny logo on the back “Pass Carefully-Blind Man Driving”. His business flourished with the growth at the beach which permitted him to retire 1993 at the age of 54.
He served the City of Lewes as well in his spare time. In 1975 he was the youngest person ever elected to the Lewes Board of Public Works. Jim served from 1975 to 1980 and 1987 to 2002. He served as the board president from 1977 to 1980.
Jim’s interests were varied. He enjoyed civil war history, snow skiing, world travel, precious time with his great grandchildren; a good glass of red wine with family and friends, but most importantly – the game of golf. He was taught how to play by the late Carlton Tull at the Seaford Golf & Country Club, starting golf at the age of 8 years old. Jim played on every continent except Antarctica. He was an excellent golfer, which enabled him to play some of the most prestigious courses in the world – including courses such as Pine Valley, St. Andrews, and Pebble Beach. In Jims words, “Always be a gentleman and pay your own way.”
Jim was also very proud of his service in the US Army and Delaware National Guard following school.
Jim was predeceased in death by his devoted wife, Catharine Ross Bell who passed away on April 4th, 2022.
Jim is survived by his son Greg (Allison) Bell; daughter Denise Iavarone. Grandsons Scott Cameron Bell and Eric (Rachael) Iavarone; granddaughters Morgan Bell Willey (Chris) and Sierra Iavarone Sauers (Tom) and two great-grandchildren Harper Grace Willey and Colton Reece Willey.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Griswold Home Care providers, especially Kathy for her compassionate care. We would also like to express gratitude to AccentCare Hospice providers Laura, Charity, Abigail, and Lonnie for their excellent patient care and family support.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE. where visitation will begin at 1:00 PM.
The service may also be viewed via live stream at----http://www.parsellfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/permalink/12062243/LTWebcast
Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to the Delaware Junior Golf Scholarship Fund, c/o Jerry Medd, 35759 Cutter Court, Lewes, DE 19958.
Please sign Jim’s Tribute Wall at this site.
Florist note- Please deliver all flowers to the Lewes Funeral Home by 11 AM Saturday 4/18/2026
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