James Franklin Bell, Jr.

James Franklin Bell Jr. of Richmond passed away on November 2nd, 2025. Franklin was born on June 7th, 1973. He was the son of Mr. James Franklin Bell and Cecelia Acuff Bell, and grew up in Roanoke, Virginia. He later moved to Richmond and attended Trinity Episcopal High School. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the Marine Corps where he attained the elite distinction of serving in the Force Reconnaissance Unit. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and joined Thalhimer Cushman and Wakefield where he was a vice president. Most recently he focused on honoring his fellow veterans by volunteering for Veterans and Athletes United, an organization supporting disabled veterans and their families. His greatest joy in life was his three children. He was a devoted father who cared deeply about his children’s education, fostering their independence in a variety of life skills and emphasizing the spiritual role of God throughout their lives. He will be remembered by his friends and family for his unwavering patriotism, intense determination and grounded faith. Franklin was predeceased by his father, James Franklin Bell. He is survived by his wife, Allie Cabral Bell; his children, James Franklin Bell III, Christian Grant Bell and Kara Elizabeth Bell; his mother Cecelia Acuff Dabney; his sister, Anne Jennings Bell; his stepmother, Liesa Fellers Bell, and his best canine friend, Cody. A memorial service will be held in his honor on Saturday, December 6th at 2pm at St. James’s Episcopal Church.

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