Forum Member and Moderator JayBell has passed away
It is with sadness that I have to report the passing of PAFOA forum member and moderator Jason Bell, better known to us all as JayBell.
The morning of September 6th we were informed by one of his friends that he had passed away over the holiday weekend unexpectedly. Many of us knew that this happened a day or two ago, but we were waiting until we had more information before posting officially.
While I never actually got the chance to meet Jason in person, I knew him for years before PAFOA was even an idea through another online forum related to title II firearms where he was also a moderator. Over the years he had helped me, and many others, answer a lot of questions about the acquiring title II items in Pennsylvania and showed himself to be an excellent, tough moderator on the other site we shared. It was because of this that he was offered one of the earliest moderator positions at PAFOA.
Over the years most of us have gotten to know him as a great guy with a “direct” personality and a wealth of knowledge and opinions that he shared freely and clearly.
Anyone who knew Jason knew that he was not an ambiguous person who would beat around the bush, and while that caused friction at times, it was not without value. Among the moderator staff at PAFOA, Jason was outspoken in promoting what he thought was best for the forum from his years of experience as a moderator on a forum that doesn’t even require registration. Just as importantly, he was a crucial voice behind the scenes to keep myself and other staff members on our toes if we were doing something dumb. Simply put, Jason was PAFOA’s highly-knowedgeable pitbull.
Jason will be missed and I thank him immensely for putting in the time doing work that isn’t often fun to help keep PAFOA running.
I sincerely hope that he is now in a place where he can safely shoot his machine guns while riding his motorcycle at the same time.
Re: Forum Member and Moderator JayBell has passed away
RIP Jay and may you have all the time you want to shoot and ride up there condolences to his family
September 7th, 2012, 06:04 PM
doug
Re: Forum Member and Moderator JayBell has passed away
I didn't get to know Jay in real life, but I was fortunate enough to work with him on this project. I can say without a doubt that he was one of our very best.
Tough but fair, bull headed yet compassionate. Dedicated and dependable. An infinite wealth of firearm knowledge.
He will be impossible to replace.
RIP
September 7th, 2012, 06:04 PM
spyro825
Re: Forum Member and Moderator JayBell has passed away
Many prayers out to his friends and family during this time. Although I did not know him he seemed to be a great guy. May he rest in peace and keep a watchful eye over his family.
September 7th, 2012, 06:11 PM
steelerfan
Re: Forum Member and Moderator JayBell has passed away
Prayers, thoughts, & condolences to his family & all his friends. Lost at way too young an age
September 7th, 2012, 06:13 PM
BestDefense=StrongOffense
Re: Forum Member and Moderator JayBell has passed away
Rest easy, sir
September 7th, 2012, 06:22 PM
arjohnson
Re: Forum Member and Moderator JayBell has passed away
RIP and prayers out to your family:(.
September 7th, 2012, 06:30 PM
AFARR
Re: Forum Member and Moderator JayBell has passed away
I met him briefly a bit over a year back for a FtF, and just recently to pass on the rifle to someone else (he was selling his ammo, I was selling the rifle and we both met the buyer at the same time).
Nice guy. Both times had a nice chat.
He's been on the firearms boards for a long time. He will be missed.
AFARR
September 7th, 2012, 06:31 PM
7998
Re: Forum Member and Moderator JayBell has passed away
Godspeed Jason! I never met Jaybell but had a few good conversations via PM about riding, and he was always helpful to me as a Mod to me. Keep the shiny side up Jay.
September 7th, 2012, 06:35 PM
bigdawgbeav
Re: Forum Member and Moderator JayBell has passed away
Obit link isn;t working for me. Is there a donation that can be made somewhere?
September 7th, 2012, 06:37 PM
Tomcat088
Re: Forum Member and Moderator JayBell has passed away
Quote:
Originally Posted by doug
I didn't get to know Jay in real life, but I was fortunate enough to work with him on this project. I can say without a doubt that he was one of our very best.
Tough but fair, bull headed yet compassionate. Dedicated and dependable. An infinite wealth of firearm knowledge.
He will be impossible to replace.
RIP
Good to see you post Doug. Jay and I had some friction a very long time ago, lol, and you're probably one of the only people still around that witnessed it. That was back before his moderator days, and he asked you to ban me. Man, I must have pissed him off, lol. Even at that, he and I respected each other for what we knew, and just kept our distance. He was fair, and very knowledgeable about many things. I agree he will be impossible to replace. Rest in Peace Jaybell. My prayers go out to your family, close friends, and loved ones.
September 7th, 2012, 06:37 PM
GunLawyer001
Re: Forum Member and Moderator JayBell has passed away
I know Jay's family, and I will say the family's funeral for Jay would be an inappropriate time and place for open carry. This is not a PAFOA event, not a motorcycle-related event, not a political opportunity of any kind. This is parents losing their only child.
This is a terrible time for the friends and family who knew and loved him, and the funeral is a time for them to find comfort in familiar faces. I knew Jay for 15 years, he ate dinner at my house most Tuesdays for years, we shot together and watched movies together, he built and troubleshot my computers, he played with my dogs and I visited his dog Keisha. His parents know me. I will be at his funeral, somewhere in the back, quietly.
I would humbly suggest that if you can't pick Jay or his parents out of a photo lineup, then the most gracious way to show support and appreciation for all that Jay's life meant to the firearms community would be to send a nice card to the funeral home, or a donation to their church as they suggest. We can't accommodate 40,000 PAFOA members at a family funeral. Jay meant a lot to a lot of people, shooters and bikers and coworkers, people who he helped on Subguns and PAFOA.
I hope that you all take this in the spirit intended. There's no good side to Jay's death, it's just a question of minimizing the bad.
September 7th, 2012, 06:38 PM
steves
Re: Forum Member and Moderator JayBell has passed away
RIP Jay, you will be missed.
Quote:
JASON KEITH BELL, 43, OF GILBERTSVILLE Jason Keith Bell, 43, of Gilbertsville, passed away unexpectedly September 5, 2012. He was the beloved son of William A. and Mary L. (Freels) Bell of Lansdale. Born July 5, 1969 in Phoenixville, Jason attended Calvary Baptist School and North Penn High School, graduating with the class of 1987. He went on to attend both Liberty and Bob Jones Universities, where he studied Liberal Arts. He spent his career working as a troubleshooter and was employed by Unisys for over 13 years. Jason loved motorcycles and had always wanted to ride down to Florida to visit the Keys. He was an avid reader, hunter and computer geek. Jason also enjoyed growing his collection of exotic guns. In addition to his parents he is survived by his aunts and uncles, John Bell and his wife, Marjorie, of Mechanicsville, PA; Marjorie Brittingham of Hatfield, PA; Liz Allen and her husband, George, of Cloverport, KY; Archie Freels and his wife, Phyllis, of Rockport, IN, and James Freels and his wife, Nettie, of Owensboro, KY. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Herbert L., Sr. and Mary B. Freels; his paternal grandparents, William A. and Jennie Bell, and his uncles, Herbert L. Freels Jr. and Hugh Brittingham. Relatives and friends are invited to attend Jason's Memorial Service Tuesday, September 11, 2012 at 11 a.m. in Calvary Baptist Church, 1380 South Valley Forge Road, Lansdale, PA 19446, where the family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jason's memory to Camp Calvary, c/o Calvary Baptist Church, address above. Arrangements are by Huff & Lakjer Funeral Home, Lansdale.
September 7th, 2012, 06:43 PM
4070BN
Re: Forum Member and Moderator JayBell has passed away
I only know him via the forum.
Prayers for his family, RIP Jay.
September 7th, 2012, 06:43 PM
Gun
Re: Forum Member and Moderator JayBell has passed away
Condolences to Jason's family.
September 7th, 2012, 07:15 PM
Emptymag
Re: Forum Member and Moderator JayBell has passed away
I used to instant message Jaybell late, late at night with technical questions regarding the forum features, moderating issues, problems with my computer, all sorts of techy stuff in general.
As is Jaybell, he would not fail to "insult" me for being such a moron with my questions. LOL
I was never embarrassed to ask him questions though - he knew I was a tech-noob and while he enjoyed ribbing me about it, and would "roll his eyes" at my questions, he never failed to answer them thoroughly.
These question and answer sessions often led to further conversation about "things" in general. That was the time when I got to know him more as a person than as the moderator we are all familiar with.
I'll miss him poking fun at me.
Godspeed Jaybell.
Prayers go out to those who now have a void in their lives as a result of your passing.
September 7th, 2012, 07:15 PM
P89
Re: Forum Member and Moderator JayBell has passed away
This is some really sad news...I miss him already.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Emptymag
I'll miss him poking fun at me.
:D
September 7th, 2012, 07:16 PM
edritchey
Re: Forum Member and Moderator JayBell has passed away
GunLawyer001 - Very well put. RIP Jay - I hope they have good cigars up there.
EDR
Quote:
Originally Posted by GunLawyer001
I know Jay's family, and I will say the family's funeral for Jay would be an inappropriate time and place for open carry. This is not a PAFOA event, not a motorcycle-related event, not a political opportunity of any kind. This is parents losing their only child.
This is a terrible time for the friends and family who knew and loved him, and the funeral is a time for them to find comfort in familiar faces. I knew Jay for 15 years, he ate dinner at my house most Tuesdays for years, we shot together and watched movies together, he built and troubleshot my computers, he played with my dogs and I visited his dog Keisha. His parents know me. I will be at his funeral, somewhere in the back, quietly.
I would humbly suggest that if you can't pick Jay or his parents out of a photo lineup, then the most gracious way to show support and appreciation for all that Jay's life meant to the firearms community would be to send a nice card to the funeral home, or a donation to their church as they suggest. We can't accommodate 40,000 PAFOA members at a family funeral. Jay meant a lot to a lot of people, shooters and bikers and coworkers, people who he helped on Subguns and PAFOA.
I hope that you all take this in the spirit intended. There's no good side to Jay's death, it's just a question of minimizing the bad.
September 7th, 2012, 07:20 PM
gascolator
Re: Forum Member and Moderator JayBell has passed away
Condolences on the loss of your friend, Phil. Thanks for the very sensitive level-set. Like Jay, I'm an only child myself, and so have some idea of what Jay's parents are going through. He was far, far, too young for this to happen. I trust that you'll represent many of Jay's online colleagues by your presence. Again, thanks, and condolences.
Quote:
Originally Posted by GunLawyer001
I know Jay's family, and I will say the family's funeral for Jay would be an inappropriate time and place for open carry. This is not a PAFOA event, not a motorcycle-related event, not a political opportunity of any kind. This is parents losing their only child.
This is a terrible time for the friends and family who knew and loved him, and the funeral is a time for them to find comfort in familiar faces. I knew Jay for 15 years, he ate dinner at my house most Tuesdays for years, we shot together and watched movies together, he built and troubleshot my computers, he played with my dogs and I visited his dog Keisha. His parents know me. I will be at his funeral, somewhere in the back, quietly.
I would humbly suggest that if you can't pick Jay or his parents out of a photo lineup, then the most gracious way to show support and appreciation for all that Jay's life meant to the firearms community would be to send a nice card to the funeral home, or a donation to their church as they suggest. We can't accommodate 40,000 PAFOA members at a family funeral. Jay meant a lot to a lot of people, shooters and bikers and coworkers, people who he helped on Subguns and PAFOA.
I hope that you all take this in the spirit intended. There's no good side to Jay's death, it's just a question of minimizing the bad.
September 7th, 2012, 07:53 PM
Asmodeus6
Re: Forum Member and Moderator JayBell has passed away
This really is a sad day. I've always respected Jay and I don't presume to have known him like his real family and friends. But as somewhat of a fixture in the PAFOA framework, I've always aligned with the more direct / knowledgeable types like him. I wish the best for his friends and family. I'm sure it's not easy losing your only son.
:(
September 7th, 2012, 07:58 PM
knight0334
Re: Forum Member and Moderator JayBell has passed away
Quote:
Originally Posted by GunLawyer001
I know Jay's family, and I will say the family's funeral for Jay would be an inappropriate time and place for open carry. This is not a PAFOA event, not a motorcycle-related event, not a political opportunity of any kind. This is parents losing their only child.
This is a terrible time for the friends and family who knew and loved him, and the funeral is a time for them to find comfort in familiar faces. I knew Jay for 15 years, he ate dinner at my house most Tuesdays for years, we shot together and watched movies together, he built and troubleshot my computers, he played with my dogs and I visited his dog Keisha. His parents know me. I will be at his funeral, somewhere in the back, quietly.
I would humbly suggest that if you can't pick Jay or his parents out of a photo lineup, then the most gracious way to show support and appreciation for all that Jay's life meant to the firearms community would be to send a nice card to the funeral home, or a donation to their church as they suggest. We can't accommodate 40,000 PAFOA members at a family funeral. Jay meant a lot to a lot of people, shooters and bikers and coworkers, people who he helped on Subguns and PAFOA.
I hope that you all take this in the spirit intended. There's no good side to Jay's death, it's just a question of minimizing the bad.
Thank you, Phil.
These are wise words of advice for all if you are thinking about attending his services. If you didn't know Jay personally, or his parents, showing up may intimidate or add even more unneeded discomfort to an already uncomfortable situation. I'm sure there are a number of folks that knew Jay personally that will be going.. ...allow them to represent the rest of us that didn't know him in real life.
I highly suggest the recommended card to the funeral home or donation to the mentioned church as they had suggested.
September 7th, 2012, 08:01 PM
cakeshooter
Re: Forum Member and Moderator JayBell has passed away
Really super sad. :-( That's the age of my husband. Is it inappropriate to ask what happened? Or can PM me that's fine.... its so sobering to hear of someone dying so young.
My mother passed away at about the same age. :-(
RIP Jay.....
September 7th, 2012, 08:04 PM
VeritasAequitas
Re: Forum Member and Moderator JayBell has passed away
Wow...so young. Prayers sent for family and friends. :(
Godspeed Sir. :(
September 7th, 2012, 08:09 PM
Justin///M
Re: Forum Member and Moderator JayBell has passed away
RIP Jay!
Justin
September 7th, 2012, 08:20 PM
Lee-online
Re: Forum Member and Moderator JayBell has passed away
No parent should have to bury their child.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of the Bell family.
RIP Jason.
September 7th, 2012, 08:43 PM
God's Country
Re: Forum Member and Moderator JayBell has passed away
Tipping back a few for you tonight Jay.
It doesn't matter that I don't know you or didn't always agree with you.
You were a staunch 2A supporter with friends and family that loved you...that's what matters.
RIP
September 7th, 2012, 08:51 PM
Derek
Re: Forum Member and Moderator JayBell has passed away
43 is too young to go.
Having only met JayBell once in person, I completely agree with GunLawyer. This is not a forum event. Calvary is less than 5 minutes from me but I would not feel comfortable going, it's for family and close friends.
~ Derek
September 7th, 2012, 09:24 PM
Legionnaire
Re: Forum Member and Moderator JayBell has passed away
My prayers and condolences on behalf of the family of a friend I never met.
September 7th, 2012, 09:38 PM
GeneralWashington
Re: Forum Member and Moderator JayBell has passed away
Damn that green announcement space is nothing but bad news lately.
I don't even know what to add other than Rest In Peace and I hope he's happy wherever he is.
Definitely agree with the whole funeral commentary though.
September 7th, 2012, 09:45 PM
pyld
Re: Forum Member and Moderator JayBell has passed away
Rest easy, bro.
September 7th, 2012, 09:48 PM
mythaeus
Re: Forum Member and Moderator JayBell has passed away
Phil,
I never realized how close he was to you. Thank you for sharing your memories of him through your well-expressed way as usual. My heart and thoughts are with you, his family, friends, and those here on PAFOA. Among many memories of Jay here over the years, here's one of mine of his.
He gave me a great deal on it, but it took forever to air the cigarette smell out of the dang thing :D :(
Rest in peace, Jay.
Al
September 7th, 2012, 10:16 PM
GunLawyer001
Re: Forum Member and Moderator JayBell has passed away
Quote:
Originally Posted by mythaeus
Phil,
I never realized how close he was to you. Thank you for sharing your memories of him through your well-expressed way as usual. My heart and thoughts are with you, his family, friends, and those here on PAFOA. ... .
Jay is the reason I post on PAFOA, he emailed me back in 2006 and said that Dan's new forum had a debate going on about some legal issue, and they could really use some reliable info. That was my first post, it was well-received, and I've stayed.
We met back in 1997, he posted on Subguns that he was going to be at the Ft Washington gun show, would be wearing a "fuck the ATF" T-shirt, so we arranged to meet.
Our personalities meshed well. He was the most cynical idealist I've ever met. There is nobody else like him.
September 7th, 2012, 10:38 PM
God's Country
Re: Forum Member and Moderator JayBell has passed away
Sorry for your loss GL.
September 7th, 2012, 10:38 PM
triguenodr
Re: Forum Member and Moderator JayBell has passed away
Prayers, thoughts, & condolences to his family & all his friends R.I.P
September 7th, 2012, 10:39 PM
crazyyankee
Re: Forum Member and Moderator JayBell has passed away
My and my family send our condolences to his family and friends.
September 7th, 2012, 10:47 PM
xddan
Re: Forum Member and Moderator JayBell has passed away
R.I.P. JayBell you will be missed
September 7th, 2012, 10:54 PM
afdcomposer
Re: Forum Member and Moderator JayBell has passed away
Quoting Pennsy from the other thread:
As for man, his days are like grass;
he flourishes like a flower of the field;
for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
and its place knows it no more. Psalms 103:15-16 (ESV)
I posted Duruflé's requiem over there, and here's Brahms's:
Denn alles Fleisch ist wie Gras
und alle Herrlichkeit des Menschen
wie des Grases Blumen.
Das Gras ist verdorret
und die Blume abgefallen.
So seid nun geduldig, lieben Brüder,
bis auf die Zukunft des Herrn.
Siehe, ein Ackermann wartet
auf die köstliche Frucht der Erde
und ist geduldig darüber, bis er [empfahe]1
den Morgenregen und Abendregen.
Aber des Herrn Wort bleibet in Ewigkeit.
Die Erlöseten des Herrn werden wieder kommen,
und gen Zion kommen mit Jauchzen;
ewige Freude wird über ihrem Haupte sein;
Freude und Wonne werden sie ergreifen
und Schmerz und Seufzen wird weg müssen.
1 Peter 1:24
For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower thereof falleth away.
James 5:7
Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and has long patience for it, until he receive the morning and evening rain.
1 Peter 1:25
But the word of the Lord endureth for ever.
Isaiah 35:10
And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
September 7th, 2012, 11:51 PM
Falcon118
Re: Forum Member and Moderator JayBell has passed away
RIP JB. You are gone, but not forgotten. I'm sad that you are gone, but I'm happy that you are now in a better place. I hope to see you again some day.
Mike
September 8th, 2012, 03:16 AM
soberbyker
Re: Forum Member and Moderator JayBell has passed away
RIP Jay, now you can fly in the sky, and take your helmet off and enjoy the wind ....
.
September 8th, 2012, 07:30 AM
Rosco the Iroc
Re: Forum Member and Moderator JayBell has passed away