James Stell

James Louis Stell, 85, native Wacoan, passed away Friday, September 25, 2009 at Providence Medical Center. Memorial services will be Thursday, October 8, 2009 at OakCrest Funeral Home.

Jim Stell lived the American Dream. After graduating from Waco High School in 1941, Jim enlisted in the Navy where he served throughout World War II as a flight instructor and trainer. After the War and after his discharge, Jim told his family he was going to California to make his fortune and he did. After arriving in California, Jim worked as a part-time bookkeeper for a convenience store while attending college. When Jim's supervisor was transferred to the store headquarters office in San Francisco, Jim transferred with his supervisor. Through diligence and hard work, Jim worked his way through the corporate structure. He became President of the company and had responsibility over 38 subsidiary companies, including a major retail food chain on the west coast. He retired back to Waco 3 years ago.

Jim is preceded in death by his wife, Ada May; his father, General James L. Stell of Waco; his mother, Rosalie White of Long Beach, California; his brother, Robert Gene Stell of Austin; and his cousin, Bettye Kyle Guthrie of Waco.

He is survived by his nephew, Reed Stell of San Antonio; his sister-in-law, Laressa Stell of Austin; his step-daughter, Judith Noel Burton and step-granddaughter, Heather Reeves both of Maine.

Memorials may be made to Providence Hospital or the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit.