Jimmy Bell, Sr. "Doc"

Mr. Jimmy Bell, Sr., affectionately known as “Doc,” passed away on Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at the age of 63 years. He was born on April 16, 1955 in Saginaw, Michigan to Amos Bell, Sr. and Rosa Mae Bell.

Jimmy was a resident of Saginaw, Michigan. He was a graduate of Buena Vista High School, “Class of 1973,” was class vice-president, and graduated at the top of his class with honors. He received an Associate Degree in Contracting from Delta College. Jimmy’s employment began as a manager with Wickes Lumber, after which, he discovered his gift of selling cars. He worked at various dealerships but became famous at Burt Watson and later, McDonald Pontiac GMC, where he was one of the first black men to be seen and advertise on billboards. Jimmy’s was the voice on radio station Power 107.1 WTLZ well-known for saying “This is The Doctor, Jimmy Bell, with no problem financing.” He loved fishing, hunting, singing, golfing and basketball. Jimmy accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized. He was a member of Ephesus Seventh Day Adventist Church, and one of the original members of The Four Disciples singing group, and the Saginaw Bucks church basketball team. Jimmy was extremely proud of his son, Jimmy Bell, Jr., and his gift of playing basketball. Jimmy was known as a prominent, well-spoken, charismatic, and popular man with a strong handshake. Two of “THE DOCTOR’s” children, Neike and Jimmy Bell, Jr., were born on the same day, twenty-three years apart. He could not have been more proud of his children. Jimmy Bell, Sr. was loved dearly and will be deeply missed.

He leaves to cherish his memories and continue his legacy, one loving daughter, Neike Leshon Bell; two affectionate sons, Jaime Antoine Bell, Sr., and Jimmy Bell, Jr.; stepchildren, Jasmine Holmes and Michael Lawerence; two adorable grandsons, Chevaski James, Jr. and Jaime Antoine Bell, Jr.; four brothers, Thomas Bell, Robert (Shelly) Bell, Saginaw, Michigan, Willie (Theresa) Bell, Antioch, Tennessee, Leroy (Diane) Bell, Albany, Michigan; one aunt, Betty Hoper; six nieces, Tracey Bell, Timitra Bell-Daniel, Tiffany Bell, Kimberly Bell, Jessica Bell, Kiera Bell; nine nephews, Amos Bell, III, Robert Bell, Jr., Anthony ”Tony” Bell, Thomas Bell, Jr., Marcus Bell, Justin Bell, Laroy Bell, Jalen Bell, Christopher Bell; many cousins including special cousins, the McKnights; many other relatives and friends; special friends, Kim Fournier, Sam Dixson; special baby brother, Leroy Bell; godparents, Earlene (Sam) Gloss.

Mr. Jimmy Bell, Sr. was preceded in death by his parents, Amos Sr. and Rosa Mae Bell; brother, Amos Bell, Jr; grandparents, Alvin (Annie Harris) Clark, Willie (Susie) Bell; aunts, Annette VanNorman, Madel McKnight; sister-in-law, Holllistine Bell, and best friend, Benny Sawyer.

The family would like to express special thanks to the many families, churches, "Class of 1973," and friends who expressed their love by contributing donations and flowers; Pastor Steve Bramwell and the Ephesus Seventh Day Adventist Church, and Leroy Bell.