James Bell

JAMES PETER BELL

Iowa City

James Peter Bell, 69, passed away Thursday, April 22, 2021, at his home in Iowa City.

James was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on July 20, 1951, to Jack and Helen Bell. He attended Washington High School and graduated in 1970. He was on the swim team and held the record in the butterfly for many years. He then received a full swim team scholarship to Iowa State and attended school there for four years. He also swam on the YMCA National Team with his high school classmates in Florida.

Jim was a member of the Amana Gun Club and the Herman Lodge of Cedar Rapids. He loved skeet shooting and was a state champion.

His love of nature was enjoyed at his farm in Louisa County along the Iowa River. He owned the land for 27 years. He hunted and established wetlands. In 2015, he enrolled his land in the Federal Wetlands Program. In 2020, he sold the farm to the Iowa Heritage Foundation.

Jim worked for his father out of college at the James W. Bell Co. In 1991, he bought the Deadwood Bar in Iowa City. He owned the bar for 26 years and enjoyed working with young people. He always had a smile and an ear for everyone he met.

Jim is survived by his wife of 16 years, Jo Ann Bell; sister, Dana (Dr. John) McMannus of Tucson; brother, John (Beth Ware) of McGregor; niece, Heather McMannus of Phoenix; nephew, Luke McMannus of Tucson; great-niece, Ellie Jacobs of Phoenix; brother-in-law, Tom (Julie) Vonderhaar; nephews, Tony Vonderhaar and Tim (Jess Bolar) Vonderhaar; niece, Jill (Travis) Droste; sister-in-law, Jean (Jeff) Biermann, and numerous extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of Jim's life will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. July 11, at the Deadwood Bar, 6 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Friends of the Animal Center Foundation and Hancher Auditorium.

Online condolences may be made at www.lensingfuneral.com.