James “Jim” Harold Sell, 87, of Clive, Iowa, and former longtime resident of Orange, Texas, suddenly passed away on April 29, 2019. Jim and his loving wife of 67 years, Grace Eileen Sell, moved to Iowa following Hurricane Harvey.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Monday, May 6, 2019, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Officiating will be Rev. Gary McCormick. Visitation will follow until 6:00 p.m.

Born in East Canton, Ohio, on March 27, 1932, he was the son of Harold Walter Sell and Frieda Louella Sell. Jim was the Plant Controller of Firestone Polymers LLC in Orange, Texas from 1980 through his retirement in 1994.

He graduated from East Canton High School in 1950. Jim honorably served his country in the US Army during the Korean Conflict and upon returning to the United States, Jim earned a degree in Industrial Accounting from Kent State University in 1959. Jim was an avid golfer who was a member of Firestone Country Club and DERA. He spent years trying to straighten out his drives and, always enjoyed early morning rounds. He was a legendary softball pitcher and coach who once threw a no hitter for the Firestone Industrial League team he played on for years.

Jim was a man of faith and attended church at First Christian Church in Orange where he served as a Deacon. He loved his family dearly and had a wonderful sense of humor. Jim was a very intelligent and well-read man who would often share his opinions on everything from politics to sports.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold Walter Sell and Frieda Louella Sell.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Grace Eileen Sell; Sons Scott A. Sell and wife Anina of Waukee, Iowa and Jeffrey Z. Sell of Charlotte, NC; Grandchildren Natalie Marie Sell of Lake Charles, Louisiana, Benjamin Zane Sell of Spring, Texas, Joseph Vincent Sell of Spring, Texas and Angela Grace “Gracie” Sell of Houston, Texas and, other loving family and friends.