James "Goob" R. Bell

James R "Goob" Bell, 53, of Mansfield, departed this life suddenly on Saturday, November 19, 2016 in Mansfield. Born October 4, 1963 in Oneida, Tennessee, he was the son of Terry Bell and Della (Crabtree) Bell-Young. He was one of 10 children ~ the baby boy ~ only having a sister that was younger.

James has been climbing trees since he was 17 years old. He worked many years with Taylor's Tree Service as a tree climber and was considered one of the best. He loved fishing, hunting, mushroom hunting, playing horseshoes and always gave a nickname to everyone he met and knew. He enjoyed having everyone gather at his home and hosted a hog roast every year on his birthday no matter what the weather was like. He enjoyed playing poker with family at every gathering and was known as the neighborhood dad.

He is survived by two sons, Naaman (Rachel) Young and James R. (Anjelica) Bell, Jr.; a daughter, Ashley (Aaron) Ray; grandchildren, Justyn Jones, Jayden Thompson, Natalie Thompson, Nevaeh Spurgeon, Alexys Ray and Aaryn James "AJ" Ray all of Mansfield; brother, Ernest "Boots" Bell of Oneida, Tennessee; sisters, Wanda Louise Davis, Betty (Freeman) Slaven both of Oneida, Tennessee, Darlene (Eugene) Lee of Mansfield; Brenda Hudleston of Onieda, Tennessee and Shelva Jean (Wade) Slaven of Sterns, Kentucky; many nieces and nephews; and many other family and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, John Bell, David Bell and Jerry Bell; and a sister, Melissa Young.

Family and friends may call from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 23, 2016 at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 S. Diamond Street, Mansfield. Memorial contributions may be made to the family.