James Bell Obituary

James Hyrum Bell, Jr. 1927 ~ 2006 Surrounded by his family on the 11th of January 2006, James Hyrum Bell, Jr. DVM, peacefully passed away after an extended illness. Born March 24, 1927 in Mink Creek, Idaho, "Junior" was the youngest of eight children born to James Hyrum and Carrie Mabel Keller Bell. He served in the US Coast Guard during World War II. After his mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the Southern States, he graduated from Utah State University and received a commission in the United States Air Force. He received his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State A&M. Jim married Eileen Allred on June 13, 1949 in the Logan LDS Temple. They are the parents of eight children: David A. (Mary), Stan J. (Candace), Karen, Kristine (Don) Tanner, JoLyn (Kent) Ure, Eric A. and Juleen, James H. (Diane), and Mark J. They have 29 grandchildren and 17 great-grand-children. "Doc" was an accomplished large animal veterinarian with clients scattered throughout the Intermountain West and the world. He worked extensively in beef and dairy cattle reproduction and pioneered many techniques in the science of genetics and reproductive efficiency of these animals. He was on the Veterinary Science faculty at USU; head veterinarian at Cache Valley Breeding Association; General Manager of Deseret Livestock; and a consultant to numerous farms and ranches. He was also an accomplished general aviation pilot and a pioneer in neo-natal bovine serum production. An active member of the LDS Church, he served in numerous Stake and Ward Callings, as a member of the Church General Correlation Committee and Young Men's General Board, and as a temple worker in the Bountiful Utah Temple. He and Eileen served two full-time missions: in Nauvoo, Illinois and as Trek Coordinators and Veterinarian for the Sesquicentennial Pioneer Wagon Train from Nauvoo to Council Bluffs and then from Winter Quarters to Salt Lake City. "Doc" had the honor of leading the wagon train into the Salt Lake Valley astride his faithful horse, Blue. Jim was a wonderful father and exemplar who taught his children and grandchildren to love the gospel, the Lord and His Servants. He was a quintessential "people person" and influenced many for good wherever he went in the world. He loved the gospel and took every opportunity to bear testimony of the miracle of the Restoration. The restoration and power of the Aaronic Priesthood was his favorite topic. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 14, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. at the Farmington South Stake Center, 695 South 200 East. Friends and family may call Friday evening from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Russon Brothers Bountiful Mortuary, 295 North Main, Bountiful, Utah and Saturday morning from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the church prior to services. Interment-Farmington City Cemetery. Online guest book at www.russonmortuary.com