James Ray Bellows, 95 of Gainesville, Texas passed away on January 19, 2022. He was born in 1926 in Blue Ridge, Texas. James was the oldest of 5 children born to Foy and Irene Bellows. After graduating from Van Alstyne High School in 1944, he was drafted by the U.S. Army and served during WWII and the Korean War. While serving in the Army, James married Wynema “Nema” Neil. In 1956, James and Nema built a convenience store business in Sherman, Texas then in 1969, James and his family moved to Gainesville and built 2 Handy Foods stores and a Kwik Kar Wash.
After the death of Nema, James married Louise Baker Hargesheimer in 1995. James and Louise enjoyed 26 years of marriage filled with the joy of travel and spending time with friends and family.
James was of the Baptist faith and attended Temple Baptist Church. James was a 32-degree Mason.
James is survived by his wife, Louise Bellows; son, Phil Bellows; daughter, Vicki Crawford; grandson, Lyle Bellows; granddaughters, Shannon, Courtney and Jaimie.
Memorial service will be Monday, January 24, 2022, at 10:00 am at Meador Funeral Home Chapel, 1204 E. California Street, Gainesville, Texas.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Meador Funeral Home of Gainesville.
Sorry to hear of the loss of James. He was always cheerful and a joy to speak to.
So sorry to hear of James’s passing. I enjoyed several years of dancing and eating lunch with James and Louise. God bless Louise and family.
Dad…I love you so much,and will miss you even more.
There was no greater friend and mentor in my early days as pastor of New Faith Baptist Church. He also was a very good friend to Leroy Martin ( father-in-law) and my dad Ray Phelps. God. Bless James for his faithfulness, help and encouragement. I will never forget your love and kindness toward our family. Until we meet again brother.
James was a real gentleman and friend to many all across Cooke and Grayson counties. He will be greatly missed. RIP my friend
I will miss my grandfather so much. I’m so glad that the last thing I could do was finally make him proud of me. I love you Grandaddy!!!!
My condolence to the family! I always felt at home working at Handy foods! Mr. bellows was an amazing man❤️
I am better having known James, he was a real gentleman and a faithful believer.
So sorry to hear this. James was such a kind person. Thinking of Louise, Phil, and the family during this time. The world will miss him.
Phil, sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers for you and the family.
Thank you for your friendship and words of wisdom. I will miss you.
I am so sorry to hear of his loss. I admired James greatly. Truly a fine man. Prayers for all. RIP.
James was a friend of mine . Always enjoyed running into him , such a sweet
man .
James was a wonderful friend and supporter of our youth when I was at Grand Ave. His help was a blessing to our church, youth and me. Appreciated his friendship and gentle spirit. Praying for Vicki, Phil, and family.
I’m so sorry to hear that my Uncle James passed away. I’m sure my dad – Harley, and Aunt Carolyn welcomed him to Heaven. Louise, Phil, and Vicki, you and your families have my heartfelt sympathy. My thoughts, prayers, and love are with you and also with Uncle David and Uncle Paul.
I’m so sorry to hear of Mr. Bellow’s passing. He was always very kind and friendly very time I saw him. He will be missed. My prayers are with all of his family.
I remember Mr. Bellows when he ran his store on North Grand. He was always cheerful and fun to talk to.
I remember Mr. Bellows when he ran his store on North Grand. He was always cheerful and fun to talk to.