Van Buren Realtor, Developer Jimmy Bell Dies at 66
by January 19, 2015 12:00 am 450 views
Van Buren realtor and developer Jimmy G. Bell, founder and CEO of Jimmy Bell Real Estate Co. in Van Buren, died Dec. 30.
Bell, 66, had been battling cancer, according to the company.
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.
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.
Bell’s son, Kevin Bell, will continue to lead the firm’s day-to-day operations. He was hired as president of the company in August after spending 22 years in the banking industry.
The funeral service through Ocker-Putnam Funeral Homes of Van Buren was held at First Baptist Church Worship Center in Van Buren on Jan. 3.