James Ronald Belt

James “Jim“ Ronald Belt, the youngest child of Eli Albert Belt and Hattie Velma Morgan was born on September 30, 1928 in Rowlett Texas.

Jim graduated from Garland High School in 1947 and subsequently attended Southwestern Assemblies of God College in Waxahachie, Texas, where he developed his passion and ability to sing by being a part of several singing groups.

Being raised on a farm, which he loathed, He was determined to not farm the rest of his life. He joined the United States Army in 1950 serving a two-year stent in Korea where He was awarded the rank of Master Sergeant. Jim continued to serve his country as a member of the United States Army National Guard, which afforded him the opportunity to travel all over the world, including a short term in Japan.

At the age of 17 years old, Jim and his family attended a revival at First Assembly of God in Garland, Texas where he and his parents were saved and filled with the Holy Ghost. Jim’s decision to serve God lasted him a lifetime. His relationship with the Lord was his number one priority. He served God fervently and never strayed from his commitment to God.

In January of 1953, Jim was invited to attend a Sunday school class at Oak Cliff Assembly of God in Dallas, Texas. It was there that he met the love of his life Betty Richardson. After laying eyes on her, he inquired about the brunette and asked to meet her. She immediately knew they would be married. After a short engagement, they were married on May 28, 1953 and to their union two children, Peggy and Rhonda were added. Married 71 years and four months, the love between Jim and Betty never waned.

Jim worked for several companies often working two and three jobs to accommodate the families needs. Jim worked for Ford Motor Company for 35 years.

Jim loved to sing, record, and make music. He was a southern gospel and quartet aficionado. He loved to hunt, make things for his family and was quite the carpenter. Jim was a graduate of the Happy Hunter School of Healing and could quote scripture like few others. He was an active member of The Springs Fellowship in Dallas, Texas. Jim loved life and everything about it, but his family was his greatest achievement.

Jim obtained passage into his heavenly home on September 25, 2024 just 5 days shy of his 96th birthday. Though he will be extremely missed, there is a confidence that Jim moved Heaven’s choir Director out of the way and began to direct his favorite songs.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, Eli Albert Belt, mother, Hattie Velma Morgan Belt, his two sisters, Velma Carney and Marie Chiles and his son in law, Bill Evans.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Belt of Dallas, Texas, his two daughters Peggy Evans of Mesquite, Texas, and Rhonda Barrientos and her husband Andy of Irving, Texas, five grandchildren and five great grandchildren, along with a host of friends who were his family as well.