James Bellard Jr

James D. Bellard, Jr was born October 5, 1937 in Acmar, Alabama to James and Edna Bellard. He peacefully departed this life on October 10, 2014 in Columbus, Ohio. When James was 14 his family moved to Campbell, Ohio. James graduated from Campbell Memorial High School in 1955. He attended Youngstown State University. James was a veteran having served in the US Army from 1961 to 1963. Through the years he worked with the Mahoning Valley Vocational School, The Youngstown Area Community Action Council, Summit County-Greater Akron Community Action Council, The Columbus Urban League and the City of Columbus Department of Community Services. James was the Project Manager for the development of the MLK Complex during his tenure at The King Arts Complex and he was employed and retired from the State Of Ohio –Equal Employment Opportunities Office. James was a member of The Good Shepherd Baptist Church where he was a part of the Drama Ministries and Trustee Board. James enjoyed writing, acting and performing. He has written many plays, poems and short stories. He was involved with the Youngstown Playhouse and The Center Stage Theatre. He was a member of Freedom Inc. in Youngstown, Ohio. This was a community non-profit which directed economic investments into opening black owned businesses and founding the Marcus Garvey School for African Education. He was also a member of many other civic organizations that included the Columbus Urban League, The Downtowners Board of Directors, Columbus Tenant’s Union, Ohio Housing Coalition and The National CAA Executive Director’s Association. He received numerous service awards and citations. James was preceded in death by his parents, James and Edna Bellard, his sister Olivia Bellard and his brother, Charles Bellard. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 48 years, Roberta Curd Bellard; one daughter, Dr. Stephanie (Michael) Bellard-Chase; two sons, Jomo Bellard and Mark (Karen) Bryant; sister-in-law, Sharon (Otha) Curd-Watson; four sisters, Jewel (Leon) Julious, Maxine (Robert) Wilson, Delois Johnson, Gwendolyn Bell; one brother, Alvin Bellard; four brother-in-laws, Robert (Frances) Curd, John H Curd III, Dr. Francis (Pamela) Curd, Gerald Curd; three grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He shared a special bond with nieces Anisa Bell, Danielle Curd, and Brandi Curd-Watson, who lovingly called him her “PaPa.” He leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins, family, church family and friends to continue his legacy.