Born on December 7, 1945, he grew up in Mt. Dora, Florida, with his parents Louis and Dorothea Bedell, and older brother Louis. After graduating from the University of Florida in 1969 with a degree in Electrical Engineering, he accepted a position with Southern Bell which eventually brought the family to Brookhaven, GA.
Jim was a member of St. Martin in the Fields Episcopal Church having served as Junior Warden and initiated their commitment to build two Habitat for Humanity homes. He spent many hours at The Brittany Club playing tennis with friends. At Brittany, mutual friends introduced him to Karen Thomas and they became ALTA tennis partners and life partners. Always intrigued with technology and gadgets, his home office and basement were filled with computers, vintage CB radios, speakers, instruction books, etc. He also loved to listen and dance to 1960’s music.
He is survived by his wife Karen; children Joseph Bedell (Susie), Gena Allen (Sheldon), Yvonne Leeb (Stephen) and stepchildren John Thomas (Remick), Greg Thomas (Linda) and Kristen Hirst (Andrew); 11 grandchildren and one great grandchild. He missed his grandchildren during quarantine, and as soon as he and Karen were vaccinated, they journeyed to visit all either at their homes or college campuses.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, November 12, at 10 AM at St. Martin in the Fields Episcopal Church on Ashford Dunwoody Road in Brookhaven. Reception to follow in Gable Hall.
Jim was never a fan of wearing a tie. In his honor, family members will not be wearing ties. Please feel free to join them.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Jim Bedell to the Suthers Center for Christian Outreach.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hmpattersonOglethorpe.com for the Bedell family.
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