James Bell

James F. Bell, 74, of Swansea, IL, born April 12, 1948, in Belleville, IL, died Thursday, November 10, 2022, at his residence.

Mr. Bell had worked for many years at Stag Brewery, Belleville, IL, until its closing. More recently he worked at Jost Chemical Plant, St. Louis, MO, and retired in 2016. He was a 20-year volunteer fireman in Swansea, IL, and enjoyed being a fireman and helping others. He loved the outdoors. Jim and his family spent many years camping and enjoying the outdoors together. Mr. Bell was a United States Air Force veteran.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Augustus and Rita, nee Schaefer, Bell; two sisters, Julia Bell, in infancy; Janet Palmeri; his mother-in-law, Mary T. Heap; and a brother-in-law, James Heap.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Michele, nee Heap, Bell, whom he married on January 16, 1988; a son, Joshua (Bekah) Bell; two grandchildren, Emery and Eli; a brother, Jerry (Camille) Bell; two sisters, Jo Ann Bell (Joe John) and Jackie Bell; his father-in-law, Don Heap; three brothers-in-law, Tom (Mary) Heap, Mike (Kim) Heap, and Kent (Kristin) Heap; two sisters-in-law, Donna Heap and Melinda (Don) Milligan; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to the Swansea Fire Department. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation:  Friends may visit from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, November 14, 2022, and from 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, November 15, 2022, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.

Funeral:  Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, November 15, 2022, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with Msgr. Marvin Volk officiating.

Burial will be at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL.