Bell, Irven Jackson, 92 of Coral Springs Florida, formerly of Bargaintown, New Jersey, went home to be with the Lord he loved on February 5, 2017 surrounded by his loving family. Born in Linwood, New Jersey, Irven is predeceased by his mother, Amanda Bell (Billings), his father, John Bell, and his son Irven Jackson Bell, II.

Following graduation from Pleasantville High School, Irven joined the United States Navy and served gallantly in the Atlantic during World War II. Soon after joining the service, Irven made what he knew was one of the great decisions of his life marrying his childhood sweetheart Laura Bell (Cannon) on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1943, in what would be a 73-year love affair.

Irven’s return to civilian life began at Atlantic City electric where he was first a Troubleman and then Administrative assistant. Irv, as he was known to everyone, graduated from Grace Bible Institute in Camden, New Jersey in 1957. He served in the South Jersey Gideon Camp, was president of the Atlantic City Branch of the Garden State Bible School and was director of Christian Education at Linwood Community Church. He also served as director for Child Evangelism for Atlantic and Cape May Counties. However, the job, which defined his life, was the most precious to him, was that of being Pastor at the Cardiff Baptist Church from 1964 to 1987. His family, religion and his relationship with God, were the most important aspects of his life. His faith was his faith no matter what. His beliefs and assurance of his faith led him to his dedication to helping others. Except for his joy of listening to the big bands and old hymns, (new hymns made his heart race) his work and his pleasure was serving the Lord and anyone who needed him. He never judged. He never questioned.

In his later years, Irv and Laura moved to sunny south Florida where they remained active in the ministry by leading the senior bible study at Victory Life Church.

Irv will be given full military honors and interned at the military cemetery in Lake Worth, Palm Beach County, Florida. A memorial service will be held for Irv at Adams Perfect Funeral Home in Northfield, New Jersey on February 25, 2017 at 3:00pm where everyone is invited to celebrate Irv’s life.

Irv is survived by his wife, Laura (Cannon) Bell, his daughters, Debbie Bell and Beth Ann Parker (Bell), his grandchildren, Laura Jean Bell, Irven J. Bell, III, John Bell, Donna (Bell) Bellino, Eric Boudreaux, Rachel May (Boudreaux), Sean Boudreaux, Shannon Boudreaux, Matthew Parker, Christian Parker, Debby Parker, and William Parker, many great-grandchildren, his brothers, Frances Bell, his wife Maryjane Bell, and Wayne Bell, his wife Nancy Bell and his sisters, Amanda McKaig (Bell), her husband Otis McKaig and Kay Seelig (Bell),and her husband, Mac Seelig.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Vitas Hospice or the Atlantic City Rescue Mission.

Services for Irven will be held at South Florida National Cemetery on Thursday, February 16th, 2017 at 2pm. Please arrive no later than 1:50pm as the National Cemetery will start services promptly at 2PM. The service will meet in LANE 3 of the National Cemetery.

Please share your memories of Irven or express condolences to his family through this online book of memories.