Obituary of James Robert Bell, Jr

Bell, James R., "Jamie"

Saginaw, Michigan

Jamie Bell, age 77, passed away quietly on July 18, 2025, at Optalis St. Francis senior care facility after a brief hospitalization. He was born on November 13, 1947, to the late James R. Bell, Sr. and Doris Mildred Bell (nee Lauckner) of Saginaw. He retired from the plumbing business in 2008 to stay home and care for his parents and aunt who were suffering from various debilitating conditions.

He is survived by his cousins Judy (Frank) Gorske; Kirk (Amy) Lauckner; and Wendy Lauckner. He also had a regular circle of friends with whom he regularly watched football and discussed topics of interest. He was predeceased by his parents, James and Doris Bell; and his uncles and aunts George and Elizabeth Lauckner and also Ernest and Janice Ruth Karls.

Jamie was a person of wide and varied interests. He enjoyed fly-fishing (along with fly-tying and flyrod building) in his earlier years. He was an avid reader of various philosophical, scientific, and theological works. He also maintained an interest in astronomy and birds and some artistic pursuits. But most of all he was a passionate student of the Bible because of his faith in Jesus Christ.  Jamie was a key figure in the start of the Saginaw Jesus Movement of the 1970's and held his faith strongly right until the end of his life. 

His body was cremated as directed by his final wishes. A Memorial Service will take place on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. at Hopevale Church's Venue room, 4873 N. Center Rd., Saginaw, MI 48608. Hopevale Church is located at Tittabawassee Rd & Center Rd. in Saginaw Township. To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com. Arrangements made with Cremation Society of Mid-Michigan.