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James Harold Bell
September 18, 1963 – March 21, 2024
James Harold Bell was born in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba on September 18, 1963. He was a band member of the Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation, Ontario, Treaty #3.
James leaves behind his wife of 38 years Justine Copenace-Bell of Ojibways of Onigaming F.N. He also leaves behind his children Tyler (Dani), Sarah, Jenna (Darryl), Alana (Bradley), and Dallas, as well as his grandchildren, Blake, Michael, Maddox, Greyson, Audrina, Mackenna, Milliana, and Morningstar. He also leaves behind his siblings Sonya (Lori), Cyril, and Mark. He also leaves behind his cousins Teresa (Gerald), Dennis, and Tim, and many nieces and nephews.
James is predeceased by his father Cyril Lavallee, his mother Jean Bell, his brother Norman Bell, his younger sister Carolyn, and his beloved Aunty Ella.
James was a loving husband to Justine and a proud grandfather who did everything for his grandchildren. He loved his animals and loved taking care of his yard, he would spend his days outside where he tended to his garden and animals. In his younger years, he loved to fish, and commercial fish. He loved spending his time outdoors, he was a hard worker and put his all into everything he did with pride. He was a very quiet and reserved person who didn’t like crowds, but when you would meet up with him, he would treat everyone with kindness and respect and give the biggest smile. He was a great craftsman, he built many homes, and recently built his wife a deck and furniture. He was a jack of all trades, once he put his mind to something there was no stopping him, he got it done. His favorite songs were “Green, Green, Grass of Home” by Tom Jones & “Lose Control” by Teddy Swims, as well as The Tragically Hip and recently Taylor Swift.
James will be forever in our hearts, as he was loved and cherished by his family and friends.
Pallbearers will be Tyler Copenace, Dallas Bell, Timothy (Potches) Copenace, Bradley Henry, Darryl Johnson, Cyril Bell, Ryan Copenace.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Dennis Bell, Tim Bell, Blake Loranger, Michael Copenace, Greyson Bell, Maddox Copenace.
A service will be held to honor James and will be officiated by Pastor Frank Kowal on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 from 1:00 – 3:00 pm. Services will be closed to public and held for close family and friends of James as per his wishes at Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre in Kenora, Ontario. The family of James would like to give thanks to Onigaming Chief & Council, and Band Manager for all their help as well to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre.