Walter J. "Jim" Bell, 83, of Edgemont, SD died Thursday, May 1, 2008 at
Custer Regional Senior Care Center in Custer, SD.

Jim was born April 11, 1925 to James Delbert and Dorothy Phelps Bell on the
Battle Creek Ranch east of Hermosa, SD. Shortly there after, Dorothy died. Jim
spent the next four years with his grandparents, Dudley and Jessie Phelps.

James Delbert married Florence Soske in the spring of 1929. The family lived
in Ardmore, SD and Harrison, NE returning to the Red Canyon Ranch north of
Edgemont in 1939. Jim graduated from Edgemont High School in 1942. In 1948
they bought the Edgemont Sale Barn operating it until the early 1950's.

On June 24, 1950 Jim married Rosa Mills of Edgemont. From this union they
had three sons, Jim, Bill and Rocky. In 1957 Jim took over the Standard Oil
bulk dealership until 1977, later he was hired on the Burlington Northern
retiring in 1990.

In 1983 Rosa passed away and Jim married Lenore Peterson of Edgemont on July
24, 1987.

Jim was the piano player in the dance band "The Jumpin Jacks" in the 1950's,
also a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge of Edgemont.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife Rosa.

Jim is survived by his wife of 20 years, Lenore; sons, Jim (Patty), Bill (Carol) and
Rocky (Kathy) of Alliance, NE. Grandchildren; Jesse, Joshua, Liberty, Chad
(Valery), Jamie (Jeff), Charlie (Courtney), Brandon (Angie), Holly (Rafael); five great grandsons; three step-children, Judy (Cap Ferguson), Wayne
Peterson, Bruce (Sharon) Peterson, seven step-grandchildren and eleven
step-great grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held at a later date. Memorials may be sent to Lenore Bell, 116
Scott St., Edgemont, SD 57735.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Edgemont, SD. Written condolences may be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.