Dr. James "J.P." Patrick Bell

Birth date: Jan 20, 1948 Death date: Sep 4, 2020

On September 4, 2020, James P. Bell, photographer, physician, and outdoorsman, went to be with his Lord and savior, after brief but aggressive complications from prostate cancer. He was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas, on January 20, Read Obituary

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Dina Nash

16w ago

I first met JP on the bank of the Buffalo River, where he and Candy were canoeing, and so was I, with another group. We exchanged phone numbers as families and the next time I heard from them, they had a daughter named Elizabeth who wanted to rent my house in my absence in Fayetteville. Eventually, Elizabeth rented the house for awhile, but her illness kept her from staying on. I was in touch with the Bells several times regarding Elizabeth.

Oddly, Saturday before last at the Fayetteville Farmers' Market, I think I interacted with Elizabeth again! She was very confused. Said she was staying at the KUAF Radio Station building, and showed me her tent: her umbrella. I tried to get her to give me more information, but other than saying her name was Sunshine and that she had food and medicine, I couldn't find out more. I could be wrong about seeing her: it's been about 20 years since I saw her. Someone looking for her could call me: Dina Nash, 501-554-2200, former social worker.

Ralph Acosta

205w ago

Marla and I were truly saddened and shocked to discover; while browsing the Web that JP; one of our dearest friends had passed. We will miss his kind and friendly demeanor and his outward eagerness to be supportive in any endeavor. I will forever treasure all of the times we shared capturing the ever changing outdoor landscape, rivers and trains.
I can clearly recall the time JP expressed an eager interest, to personally introduce me to his love for canoeing. A fantastic experience, only shared by close friends.

. . .True friendship spans distance,
None is too vast.
Whether living close together,
Or being far apart,
Your friend is with you,
In your mind and your heart.

Candy, we send our thoughts and prayers to you and your family. And please note that our belief is best expressed by one of Helen Keller’s quotes:

“What was once enjoyed and deeply loved,
We can never lose,
For all that we love deeply
Becomes part of us.”

Rafael Acosta

Jamie Williams

222w ago

I only recently learned of Dr. Bell's passing, and my heart breaks for the whole family. I have fond memories of flying once with Dr. Bell and my lovely friend, Elizabeth. I recall his excitement at showing off his model train set and his black and white train photography. Mrs. Bell made us chicken pot pie, which until that moment I hadn't realized I absolutely loved. I haven't seen the Bells in years, as I no longer live in Arkansas, but I think about them often. Sending the family my love. Jamie Williams

Bill Goodin

267w ago

It has taken me a long time to talk or write about J.P. without breaking down weeping. J.P. He was a "best friend" to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
I met J.P. the first week of medical school. Two tables away in gross anatomy lab offers potential for friendship. J.P. became a dear friend, then Candy, his wife. I have many fond memories of times alone with him and times of family camping together when our children were small. Later on I swore that I'd never chase another steam train with him, but I would. He taught me to solo canoe.
Canoeing Arkansas streams & being a canoe model for him to photograph were a privilege.
J.P. (& Candy) are two of the most caring & generous people I've known. J.P. lived a deeply thought out life of following Our Lord. I will always miss him.

Bill Goodin

Nancy Thornton

267w ago

J.P. and Candy were summer neighbors when they owned a second home in Choteau Montana. So sad to hear this news. Our condolences to Candy and the family. Ralph and Nancy T.

Gene Mcvay

273w ago

When the Bells lived in Fort Smith, I often dropped my daughter Marcene off to visit.

I always enjoyed talking to JP at our civic club and looked forward to his programs.

I pray God will grant that peace that exceeds all understanding to Candy and the family.

John Mcintosh

273w ago

Judi and I thought the world of JP. He was a friend to us, and to all he met. He was a caring husband and father. His interests and lifestyle are to be truly admired. He was a contributor to the creative culture in all of his endeavors and left a very positive legacy as a kind and loving man. We were all better citizens that had the pleasure and honor of crossing his path.

Judi & John McIntosh

Deana Duckworth

274w ago

J.P. was my friend. He loved his family, his church and he loved going on adventures, I was lucky enough to share some of those with him. We chased steam trains across 4 states trying to get the make great images of the Challenger steam engine. We travelled through Glacier National Park in early October one year including canoeing down the Flathead River while wearing 2 sets of longjohns under chestwaders. Over twenty years ago he introduced me to two of his passions, canoeing and the Buffalo River. Two things that I still love today. We paddled the Buffalo, Mulberry and Kings river together always hauling way to many cameras film and tripods along. J.P. loved to meet people along the way and listen to their family stories, always making a photograph of the individual and learning about the history of the area. It was never anything less than an adventure when you went anywhere with J.P..

I shall miss him
He was my friend

Martin Duckworth

Suzanne Schwartz

274w ago

Candy and Family, my memories of Jim Pat are all of how much he was a servant of our LORD. The last time i saw him was at Dad's funeral. That memory is so special because he took pictures of all of our family there at the funeral, and then sent us all copies of those pictures. i was viewing those photos just the other day. i cannot see them without thinking of Jim Pat. My prayers are and will be lifting you and your family up for blessings of peace and comfort. Like Rusty, i believe Jim Pat and Dad have been reunited in the forever Home that we all long for when our LORD calls us.

suzanne Jones Schwartz

Rusty Jones

274w ago

Candy, I picture my Dad and JP paddling through heaven discussing which f.stop to use.
Rusty

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