Jim Bell

James Gordon Bell, age 82, known as “Jim” to all his family and friends, passed away at his home on Friday, August 14, 2026. Jim was born May 31, 1944 in Fort Sumner to the home of Edward Leo Bell and the former Virginia Caroline Norris. Jim grew up in Fort Sumner where he attended Fort Sumner Schools graduating with the Fort Sumner High School of 1962.

Four days after graduation Jim entered the U.S. Navy where he served for 21 years. He retired from the Navy on May 29, 1983. Jim’s citations and decorations include four Good Conduct Medals, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbons, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, and Battle Navy Unit Commendation. Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, Jim worked Civil Service for the NASA program at Edwards Air Force Base for 15 years.

Jim returned to Fort Sumner in 1996 where he made his home. Jim married Judy Mayo on August 30, 1997. They lived in Portales for one year while Judy finished college at ENMU. Jim enjoyed raising horses, woodwork, mechanic work, and welding. He was skilled at pneumatic valve repair on belly dump trucks.

Jim was a life member of the American Legion, a member of the Clovis V.F.W., and the Fraternal Order of Eagles where he served 5 terms as president. He was a past member of the Moose and Elk Clubs in Palmdale, California.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, a son James Edward Bell in 2015, a brother Ed Leo Bell Jr., and a sister Bernice Hale in 2024.

Survivors include his wife of 29 years, Judy Bell of Fort Sumner, one sister Bonnie Stoner of San Jon, New Mexico. Judy’s family, daughter Tandela Sena (Ronald) of Fort Sumner, a son Chad Wahe of Fort Sumner, a daughter Cristal Wahe of Denver, Colorado. Grandchildren, Evan Sena and Amber Sena both of Rio Rancho, NM, Cody Wahe of Fort Sumner, Hope Thunderheart (Eduardo) of Fort Sumner, TaiMora Gilbert of Denver, Colorado, Tashi Tyson of Lubbock, Texas. One great-grandchild Jayden Rollen of Lubbock, Texas. Also surviving is one brother-in-law Clifton Mayo (Christina) of Dallas, Texas. 

Visitation hours will be held on Friday, August 21, 2026 from 1pm to 6pm at the funeral home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, August 22, 2026 from The Church on The Hill with Sister Anna Grace Teeter-Gentile officiating. Burial with U.S. Navy Military Honors will follow at Fort Sumner Cemetery. Pallbearers will include Chad Wahe, Cody Wahe, Evan Sena, Billy Joe Dunn, Juan Ernest Nieto, Allen Simmons, Eduardo Mendoza, and Jim Daniels.

It was Jim’s request that memorial contributions be made in his memory to Fort Sumner Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 180, Fort Sumner, New Mexico 88119.

Please keep Jim’s family in your prayers. You may sign the online guest book, leave a note of condolence, or share a favorite memory at www.chavezfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (575) 355-2311.