Walter James Bell Jr., successful businessman, avid golfer
Walter James “Jim” Bell Jr., 86, of Lewes, passed away Sunday April 12, 2026, at his home after a brief illness. Jim was born in Salisbury, Md., Oct. 27, 1939, son of the late Walter James Bell Sr. and Ruth Elinor Hastings. Jim was raised in Seaford and graduated in 1957 from Seaford High School, where he lettered in both basketball and baseball. He married the late Catharine Latimer Ross in Seaford June 24, 1961, before moving to Lewes, the same summer. They celebrated 60 wonderful years together.
Jim was the owner and proprietor of Bell Shades and Floor Coverings, running the Lewes store from 1961 to 1993. His work trucks all carried the funny logo on the back “Pass Carefully-Blind Man Driving.” His business flourished with the growth at the beach, which permitted him to retire 1993 at the age of 54.
He also served the City of Lewes in his spare time. In 1975, he was the youngest person ever elected to the Lewes Board of Public Works. Jim served from 1975 to 1980 and 1987 to 2002. He served as the board president from 1977 to 1980.
Jim’s interests were varied. He enjoyed Civil War history, snow skiing, world travel, precious time with his great‑grandchildren and a good glass of red wine with family and friends – but most importantly, the game of golf. He was taught how to play by the late Carlton Tull at Seaford Golf & Country Club, starting golf at the age of 8 years old. Jim played on every continent except Antarctica. He was an excellent golfer, which enabled him to play some of the most prestigious courses in the world – including courses such as Pine Valley, St. Andrews and Pebble Beach. In Jims words, “Always be a gentleman and pay your own way.”
Jim was also very proud of his service in the U.S. Army and Delaware National Guard following school.
Jim was predeceased in death by his devoted wife, Catharine Ross Bell, who passed away April 4, 2022.
Jim is survived by his son, Greg (Allison) Bell; daughter, Denise Iavarone; grandsons, Scott Cameron Bell and Eric (Rachael) Iavarone; granddaughters, Morgan Bell Willey (Chris) and Sierra Iavarone Sauers (Tom); and two great-grandchildren, Harper Grace Willey and Colton Reece Willey.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Griswold Home Care providers, especially Kathy for her compassionate care. We would also like to express gratitude to AccentCare Hospice providers Laura, Charity, Abigail and Lonnie for their excellent patient care and family support.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, April 18, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes, where visitation will begin at 1 p.m.
Anyone unable to attend the services may view the livestream at: parsellfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/permalink/12062243/LTWebcast.
Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or Delaware Junior Golf Scholarship Fund, c/o Jerry Medd, 35759 Cutter Court, Lewes, DE 19958.
Visit Jim's Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
