Jesse James Bell

JESSE JAMES (THE JESS MAN) BELL, age 84, was called home to Glory on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, to dwell in a house not made with hands in his mansion the Lord Jesus Christ went to prepare for him, and to receive his crown of Righteousness! His loving wife Marilyn of 29 years, and 277 days, and 22 hours, and five minutes, was at his bedside tenderly taking good care of him. His Beloved Daughters and Son-in-law; His Precious Granddaughter; and Son; his dear Nephew and Nieces; his Sisters in law; and his Treasured Church Family, surrounded his bedroom a few hours before his departure to his new eternal address. Jesse was born on November 10, 1938, in Clayton, Alabama to the late Louis and Margaret (Boykin) Bell. He was one of six children. When he relocated to Utica, he was not able to pronounce his name correctly, and his younger Sister Lizzie Ruth would take up the slack for him. She would tell the many girls who had their eyes on him that his name was JESSE and not Hesse. Jesse graduated from Utica Free Academy. During his years as a high school student, he was an all-around good athlete. He excelled in basketball, football and track, setting many records that may still be standing. About twenty or so years ago when we were in the airport on our way to Florida, a gentleman stopped us and asked if he was Jesse Bell. Jesse replied yes, and the man told me; "Jesse was the fastest runner he had ever seen, and that he was the best basketball player that ever dawned the halls of UFA." It was a confirmation of "The Jess Man's" humble self-acclamation which he told me on several occasions; "I ain't braggin’, but I was the best athlete in UFA." Bless his sweet heart! Jesse was an avid New York Knicks fan, win or lose. He enjoyed watching Westerns with Marilyn. Gunsmoke starring James Arness as Matt Dillon ~ US Marshall, Dodge City, Kansas, which was his wife’s favorite. To please his wife it became his favorite as well ~ What a Good Husband! He once told Marilyn that God had blessed him with a “good thing” when he found her. During his sickness he left her with the most comforting, endearing words that her Father often told her, “Honey, I wouldn’t take nothing for you!” As the years went by, Marilyn fondly called him, Honey, The Jess Man, Jess, My Love, and “MY JESSE.” Jess was a diligent, and dedicated employee for several companies for many years, but he favored working as a heavy equipment operator in the construction industry. When he was the only student to ace his written heavy equipment final exam, the teacher was amazed (and asked the other students to recheck his exam.) He scored 100% He had a keen, witty sense of humor that could make you laugh till you cried. He once asked his Father in Law, Mr. Bob Maddox, whom he adored, how many people do you think are dead in Forest Hill Cemetery as they drove by? Mr. Bob’s wheels started spinning trying to come up with his best number, and before he could get the number out, Jesse said, “All of them.” They laughed about that for years. He also had a serious side, and his most profound words of wisdom were likened to Scripture: “Act Well Your Part” Jesse was gifted with several natural talents. He was a skilled carpenter, and a dandy handy man. He could run a few electrical wires, and his lawn and hedges were meticulous! He owned and operated two Social Clubs - LaCabera and Lynn's Lounge. After beautifully remodeling both clubs - once inside one might have thought they were partying in an upscale club in NY City. He could have easily been a model for Gentlemen’s Quarterly Men’s Fashion Magazine. Whether he was working, playing, stepping out for a social event, or in his Sunday Best for Worship, The Jess Man was aways, “Clean as the Board of Health.” Of all those whom Jesse loved, The Lord Jesus Christ excelled them all! He was a faithful and dedicated member of St. Paul’s Baptist Church for many years. He accepted the call to serve as a “Door-Keeper” at an invitation from Mr. James Bowens, and at the unction from the Holy Spirit, He became a member of the Usher’s Ministry and served for many years as a dedicated President. He was also an Ordained Deacon for many years, and his loyal contributions were steadfast, and unwavering. Jesse is survived by his loving wife Marilyn; his Daughters, who trusted in him and lovingly called him “Father”, Lynette Griffith (Robert) and Yvette Mills; Son, Lee Brenda Carr Jr.; his choice six Grandchildren; his eleven precious Great-grandchildren; Brothers-in-law and Sisters-in-law, Mae Lois, Margaret, Joelle, and Anthony all of Tacoma, WA, Robert Jr. (Deborah) of Odessa, FL, and Pauline, Gloria, Pamela, and Darlene all of Utica; his doting nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces, his caring cousins, and a host of friends too many to number. He also leaves special friends, Trustee Earl Crawford, Rev. Robert Rasberry, Deacon and Deaconess Tillman and Saundra Wilkerson, Deaconess Dale Hunt, Deacon and Deaconess David and Angela Smith, Clarence and Virginia Alston, Sister Josephine Jackson, and Brother John “Rob” and Sister Janice Robinson. His 13-year-old darling Pomeranian, Maxwell Smarty Pants, whom he adored, will miss him too! Jesse was predeceased by his brother Climmie (Margaret) Boykin and his sisters Lillian (Frank) Watts; Bennie Lee (Hubert) Holliman; Lizzie (Lloyd) Washington, and Elizbeth Bell. He had also cherished the memory of his Father-in-law and Mother-in-law Robert Sr. and Lassie Mae Maddox. My Jesse's brothers and sisters-in-law who predeceased him, Wayde Maddox and Rudy Young, and Deborah (Maddox) Brand, Antoinette, and Cynthia Maddox. The Family gives God the Glory; and gratitude to the Doctors who God put in place to attend to Jesse’s medical needs; St. Paul’s Baptist Church Officers and Members; and for all those who have shown such tremendous love and support. GOD BLESS YOU! And the Family gives God some more Glory for doing what no other doctor could do: MAKE ‘MY JESSE” WHOLE! Callers may bid their farewell to Jesse on Saturday, June 10th, 2023, from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm at St. Paul’s Baptist Church, 219 Leah St. Jesse’s Home-Going Service and Celebration of Life will be held at 12:00 pm (noon) upon the conclusion of visitation. Interment will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery. This loving tribute was written by MRS. MARILYN MARIE MADDOX-BELL JESSE’S LOVING AND BROKEN-HEARTED WIFE And that’s all good Beloved of God because the Bible says; “The Lord is near unto those that are of a broken heart! (Psalm 34:18) When God is near, everything is ALL-RIGHT! Some more Glory due to His Name!

Jesse James Bell

November 10, 1938 - May 31, 2023