James Lamar Bell, 89, of Sebastian, passed away Tuesday, October 5. Lamar, the youngest of three children was born to the late Toy and Mary Bell on December 30, 1931 in Rossville, GA. After he graduated from Rossville High School in 1949, Lamar met the love of his life, Lois Phillips of Chattanooga, TN. They were married in 1952 and settled in Rossville where they had three sons; James Jr, Daniel, and Timothy. In 1960 they moved to West Palm Beach, FL. Lamar served in the Army National Guard and was an electrician by trade. In 1961, he joined the City of West Palm Beach Fire Department where he worked for 25 years. Lamar held a number of positions including Assistant Chief in charge of training and ultimately rose up the ranks to Chief. After retiring in 1986 he moved to Sebastian, FL for the quiet small town life.

Lamar enjoyed fishing in the Sebastian River with his boys, summering in Crossville, TN, and shocking his grandchildren with stories from his childhood in rural Georgia; no indoor plumbing, outhouses, and pumping water from a well. He is preceded by his oldest son James Jr. (Linda) and his granddaughter Staci who are rejoicing together in Heaven.

Lamar is survived by his wife of 69 years, Lois; sons Daniel (Cathy) of West Palm Beach, FL, and Timothy (Jeannine) of Indian Harbour Beach, FL. He is also survived by grandchildren; Amy, Keith, Craig (Jackie), Emily (Nick), and great grandchildren; Colby, Heidi, Blake, and Everly.