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Jim was born in Plainview, Texas in 1926. He graduated from high school in 1943. After one year of college he joined the Air Force and after serving as an officer in WWII, came back to Texas Tech University, graduating in early 1949. He joined Humble Oil & Refining Company and completed additional studies in Law, et al, under patronage of Humble. Thereafter became co-owner of Bell & Taylor, a consulting firm out of Midland. After that, became majority owner and CEO of Hale County Abstract & Title Corporation. In 1969, became Vice President, Petroleum Land Manager, Trust Officer, First National Bank, Fort Worth. Jean was educated by the Benedictine Sisters, and attended West Texas State University, Canyon, Texas, until marriage in 1953. Jim and Jean were married at Nazareth, Texas in 1953.  They have 3 children, Dirk(+), their son, who served as professor of Theology at Jesuit in Dallas, until his death in 1994, two daughters, Brianna and Becki, and two grandchildren, A. J. and Allie. Jean and Jim enjoy camping and the outdoors, especially the South coastal area, and mountain areas where the trout bite often. They love hiking with their little dog "Tequila" and both keep two or three books going at the same time. They love music and Jean has been singing most of her life, particularly while she was being taught by the Benedictine Sisters.
Jim began his intensive training for Diaconate at the University of Dallas; was ordained as a Deacon by Bishop John J. Cassata in 1978. He began his ministry at Saint Rita’s in Fort Worth, and subsequently transferred to Our Mother of Mercy where served for about 11 years. Also he served as Assistant Chaplain at Saint Joseph Hospital, and helping occasionally where no deacons were assigned. In 1992 began helping Father Juan Rivero at Saint Jude’s in Mansfield and continued for about 3 years until Father Juan was reassigned to Denton, Tx. Jim then stayed on at Saint Jude’s until new priest arrived several months later. Joined Father Larry Gould at Saint Frances Cabrini in Granbury when we was named Pastor and remained until Father Larry returned to Ireland. At the present time Jim is a part of the staff at Saint Frances Cabrini. His personal email is: jjbell@itexas.net | | |  |  | Notice | Celebrate Recovery Starts in September |  |
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