Jesse Bell

PLEASE NOTE: This obituary is being placed on our website as a courtesy to the family. The Hullinger Mortuary is not handling any part of these services.

 “A wise man plants trees in whose shade he will never sit.” -Greek Proverb

Jesse David Bell, age 47, passed away on August 13, 2024, after a fourteen-month wrestle with the effects of glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. At the time of his passing, Jesse was in his home in Bountiful, Utah, surrounded by his wife and children.

Jesse was born in Roosevelt, Utah on August 10, 1977, where he was welcomed by loving parents. As an infant, his fragile frame belied his resilient nature that pushed him to quickly overcome the obstacles of prematurity and he grew into a young child who expressed an inquisitive wisdom that would serve him throughout his life. As the oldest of four brothers, he was instinctively a protector, and he was precociously responsible in watching over them. The highlights of his childhood were the times spent with his family in the great outdoors of the mountain west. It was there, in the stillness of the mountains, the rushing of the rivers, and the majesty of the red cliffs that he cultivated a deep bond with those he loved and an abiding sense of responsibility to protect the things of nature that he so enjoyed.

After graduating from Union High School in 1996, Jesse was called to serve as a missionary in the Texas Fort Worth mission. Seeing how the gospel of Jesus Christ changed the lives of those he taught grounded him firmly in his sense of responsibility to God and others. The congruity between what he believed and how he behaved was a result of his unparalleled sense of right and wrong that kept him rooted in his faith and committed to helping others throughout his life. He served eagerly and faithfully in many church callings where his goal was always to build relationships, share his love, and emphasize God’s perfect plan that supersedes all present circumstances.

After his mission, he attended Utah State University where he graduated in (2004) with a degree in Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning. His love of both nature and community found a home in his subsequent work as a landscape architect. He was passionate about designing spaces that met the needs of the community while utilizing elements of the natural environment. This is evident in his contribution to the design of the creek that flows through City Creek Center in downtown Salt Lake – one of many projects that embody his ideals and contribute to his lasting legacy. He harbored a great appreciation of trees and sought opportunities to be among the trees, to preserve existing trees, and to plant new trees. He often quoted the Chinese proverb: “the best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago. The second best time is now”.

Even at a young age, Jesse was guided by what would become his mantra: to begin with the end in mind. Nowhere was this more evident than in his relationship with Cami whom he married in the Salt Lake Temple on June 22, 2000. Their story truly began with eternity in mind when a budding high-school romance blossomed into a first love that branched into a beautiful family that has since been carefully nurtured by both Cami and Jesse. In a world where priorities can be so easily diluted in the mix of countless things that compete for our time and attention, Jesse was dogmatic about creating and guarding quality time with the people he loved. The fruits of his undying dedication to Cami and their children is the fierce love that they feel for him and from him – a love that will continue to nurture them in each new season of their lives.

Jesse had an instinct to quietly help others in any situation. His parents remember him as a young child diligently working alongside them until every task was finished. His helping spirit was something that flowed out of him so naturally and his service to others was never demonstrative. He could perceive a need, generate a solution, and unassumingly step in to help – often without people noticing and always with the intent to avoid credit or praise. This trait served him well in his work as a lender where he enjoyed finding solutions that broke down the barriers of home ownership for his clients. Additionally, one of the things he valued most about his career as a lender was the flexibility it gave him to serve in his community.

Jesse held a core belief that we are all better together. He was like the roots of an aspen tree that grow towards and connect with those of neighboring trees to receive and provide support. When it came to creating connections in his community, he was visionary in his goals, practical in his approach, and unique in his ability to enlist others to collaborate with him. Jesse’s knack for building his community is something that was instilled in him by his grandmother and motivated him to offer service on the city council, the trails committee, and the planning commission for Bountiful City. Outside of these formal roles, he was known for organizing events where neighbors could, like the roots of the aspen, connect with and support each other. During his 18 years as a resident of Bountiful, he envisioned and created a connective network of friends, neighbors, and citizens that will continue to sustain and strengthen each other, even in his absence.

When we think of Jesse, we will always remember his persistent smile and positivity. Even amidst his bleak diagnosis, he maintained an optimistic outlook that characterized his approach to every obstacle he encountered throughout his life. This permeating optimism was rooted in the knowledge of his Savior, Jesus Christ, whose atoning sacrifice makes no loss irreparable, no heartache permanent, and no brain tumor victorious. With broken hearts, we think of Jesse’s oft-cited advice to “begin with the end in mind”. And so, we begin this earthly journey without him with the joyous reunion that awaits at the end ever in our minds. Until that beautiful morning, we will strive to emulate the trees that he so loved; grounded in the beauty of the present moment and ever reaching towards the blessings of the heavens.

He is survived by his wife, Cami, his children, Lydia (Heber) Jenkins, Lexi Bell, Logan Bell, Lincoln Bell, his parents, Kathy Lamb, David Bell and Lori Savage Bell, and his brothers, Jason (Katherine) Bell, Justin (Beckey) Bell, and Kade McKean.

He is preceded in death by his daughter, Lucie LeeAnne Bell, brother, Matthew Eric Mason, loving grandparents and uncles.

Join us to celebrate the life of Jesse Bell on Tuesday, August 20th at Bountiful City Hall at 6:30pm. We will share memories and stories about his life.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, August 21, at 11:00 am at the Bountiful 7th Ward building located at 1250 S Main St, Bountiful, Utah, where a viewing will be held prior form 9:30 to 10:30 am. Burial will be in the Lakeview Memorial Cemetery.

The church has provided the following livestream link for the Funeral Service:
https://zoom.us/j/98737601884?pwd=3bQVY3DFqg4shJRR1Typ3ABoiBXpaA.1#success

In lieu of flowers, we ask you to support Jesse’s love of trees by planting a tree in his memory, or donating to Bountiful City’s urban tree program which funds the purchase of trees for city streets and parks.

You can donate by sending a Venmo to @Trees4Jesse.