Van Buren Developer, Community Leader Jimmy Bell Dies at 66

Van Buren realtor and developer Jimmy G. Bell, founder and CEO of Jimmy Bell Real Estate Co. in Van Buren, died Tuesday.

Bell, 66, had been battling cancer, according to the company.

The funeral service through Ocker-Putnam Funeral Homes of Van Buren will be at First Baptist Church Worship Center in Van Buren at 11 a.m. Jan. 3. Visitation will follow at the First Baptist Chapel with burial to follow at Gracelawn Cemetery in Van Buren.

Bell graduated from Van Buren High School in 1966 and founded his real estate company in 1976. It grew to specialize in residential sales, land development, construction, leasing, management and maintenance of medical, office, retail and industrial/warehouse properties.

“Jimmy was a fine man,” recalled Van Buren Mayor Bob Freeman. “And it wasn’t given to him. He worked hard to build the business to where it is today. Part of being a good businessman and a leader is being a visionary, and he was a visionary.

“I respected him not only from a business standpoint, but also from a personal side. He was a man of very strong faith. He was a leader in his church. He was just a great guy. He’ll be very, very sorely missed.”

Bell served on several boards including the Van Buren Chamber of Commerce and Summit Medical Center.

He also served since 1989 on the board of Citizens Bank & Trust Co. of Van Buren.

In a statement, Citizens Bank president and CEO Keith Hefner said Bell will be remembered as one of Van Buren’s most influential leaders, and a self-made entrepreneur.

“I have known Jimmy for over 30 years,” Hefner said. “As a customer, he was a man of his word and without a doubt one of the hardest working people I have ever met. As a citizen, he was engaged, often behind the scenes, in promoting both individuals and endeavors that influenced local government, our schools and civic organizations that had a profound influence on the growth of Van Buren.

“Jimmy will be remembered as one of Van Buren’s true champions, but I will most remember him as a friend.

In 1999, Bell was presented with the Iverson Riggs Citizen of the Year Award, given annually by the Van Buren Chamber of Commerce.

Bell’s son, Kevin Bell, will continue to lead the firm’s day-to-day operations. He was hired as president of the firm in August after spending 22 years in the banking industry.