There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done. One is called yesterday and the other is called tomorrow, so today is the right day to LOVE, BELIEVE, DO, and mostly LIVE.
~Dalai Lama
Obituary
James William Bell, Jr., (aka, Finn/Jim/Jimmy, Jimmy, Jr.), 57, of Costa Mesa, CA, passed from this life on Thursday, October 10, 2024. Born on August 1, 1967, at Hoag Memorial Hospital in Newport Beach, he was the beloved son of James W. Bell, Sr. and Effie (Gresty) Rivera.
Jim—a remarkable spirit whose love for adventure, creativity, and learning shaped the incredible man he was. Whether traveling on the tube in London in the 90's, singing behind a mic, reciting poetry, strumming his guitar, acting on stage, or crafting a new song, this true Renaissance Man embraced life with a passion that inspired everyone around him.
In addition to his artistic pursuits, Jim was the head lifeguard at the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach and captain of his college tennis team at Vanguard University in Costa Mesa (1993 graduate). His leadership in both the water and on the court showcased his dedication and competitive spirit. He approached every challenge with the same tenacity he brought to his work as an event planner and political consultant, where he combined his creativity with strategic thinking to bring visions to life.
His journeys through Europe and beyond were not just about exploring new places; they were about discovering the depths of human experience. Each encounter enriched his art and work, allowing him to weave stories and melodies that resonated with the soul.
Jim had an extraordinary gift for finding beauty in the ordinary. He reminded us that every moment could be transformed into something meaningful, whether through a heartfelt performance, a well-executed event, or a thoughtful conversation. His creativity knew no bounds, and his enthusiasm for life was infectious.
Though Jim may no longer be with us, his spirit lives on in the music he created, the words he spoke, the events he planned, and the lives he touched. Let us carry forward his legacy by embracing our own passions and adventures, always seeking to find inspiration in the world around us.
Jim's warmth and genuine kindness touched the lives of everyone he met. He was devoted to his family: his mother, Effie Rivera, stepmother Roberta Bell, brother Kenneth Gresty, and sisters Kimberly Sands and Kelly Bell, along with three nieces, two nephews, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, great-nieces and nephews, his furry companions, Handsome Henry and Pretty Penny, and those he truly touched and loved beyond words, will cherish his memory. He was a best friend to Erwin Brion of Costa Mesa, CA. He is predeceased by his father, James William Bell, Sr., his niece, Erica, and great nephews, Jonah and Ezekiel.
Thank you, Jim, for the joy you brought into our lives. He will forever remain in our hearts. His bright spirit and loving heart will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.
Celebration of Life Gathering
In honor of Jim’s life, a Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at the Newport Beach Jr. Lifeguards Building, 901 E. Oceanfront, Newport Beach, CA 92663, between 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm PST (open-house style gathering). Friends and family are encouraged to dress in California casual and share their favorite memories, songs, and photos on this online memorial (Memory Wall).
For those in CA, we hope you can come anytime between 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm to help us celebrate our 'Little Prince'. Please RSVP by emailing kelly_d_bell@yahoo.com, so that we coordinate the necessary food and beverage. Others who can't attend, please share your memories and/or photos by posting on the Memory Wall on this memorial site.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial or tribute donation can be made to the Surfrider Foundation, in his memory. The Surfrider Foundation is dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s ocean, waves, and beaches, for all people, through a powerful activist network. www.surfrider.org/.
Timeline
Gallery
Memory wall
I’ve spent most of my adult life in media, and yet there are few experiences as important as that first time that I thought I could make something entertaining with the technology in front of me. I will never ever forget that.
is an encapsulation of Jim? Certainly not. He shared his thoughts, his faith, his positivity, and most importantly his time with a rambunctious little kid who never forgot it.
Jimmy, I will always have you in my heart and spirit, I miss you Bro! I hope God enjoys the mints you set on his pillows all arranged with Love.
Rest in peace, dear friend Jimmy Bell...
I'll miss my special friend!
Family tree
Favorites
Experience is my teacher."
"The Essence of Life is Living."
― Plato
“I cannot teach anybody anything. I can only make them think.”
― Socrates
“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
― Maya Angelou
“Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love, time is eternity.”
― Henry Van Dyke
“Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction.”
― Antoine de Saint-Exupery
“The most important thing in the world is family and love.”
― John Wooden
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Together, let us continue the legacy of compassion and kindness that Jim embodied throughout his life.
Visit www.surfrider.org to make a tribute or memorial donation in honor of Jim.
