In Remembrance of John Bell III
(Image of John Bell III via LinkedIn)
John Edward Bell III, a longtime executive at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, passed away on October 29, 2025.
Bell most recently served as Executive Director, Loan Guaranty Service at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
According to his obituary John was born on September 2, 1971, in Memphis, Tenn. After serving in the U.S. Navy from 1989 to 1993, he built a career in the mortgage industry. He joined the Department of Veterans Affairs in 2010 and worked tirelessly to strengthen the VA Loan Guarantee Program, “helping countless veterans achieve the dream of home ownership,” his family noted in his obituary.
Stanley C. Middleman, President & CEO of Freedom Mortgage, called Bell an outstanding leader who worked every day to make life better for Veterans and active-duty service members. “John was thoughtful and decisive, the kind of leader that is needed in government. He is a wonderful man and I’m proud to call him my friend. John will be missed dearly,” he said.
Middleman’s colleague Richard Jordan, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer with Freedom Mortgage, noted that Bell valued his relationships, many of which became friendships. “He was a wonderful partner to work with, a true leader, and a very trustworthy friend. He always looked out for the best interest of Veterans and active-duty service members. John will be missed greatly,” he said.
Veterans United Home Loans CEO Nate Long said he is deeply saddened to learn of Bell’s passing. “John proudly served our nation in the Navy and later became a tireless champion of the VA home loan benefit–he left an enduring mark on the lives of countless Veterans and their families.”
Long called Bell a remarkable leader, “and a true champion for Veterans and their causes. We were honored to work alongside him and to witness his unwavering dedication to serving those who served our country. “
Bell spoke at several MBA conferences, including MBA Annual24 and MBA Servicing Solutions Conference & Expo 2023 and served as 2022 Chairman of the Mortgage Industry Standards Maintenance Organization (MISMO) Government Forum.
Bell’s family expressed gratitude to the ICU staff and Transplant Team at UVA Medical Center for their exceptional care and compassion and noted that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the UVA Health Foundation, designated to the Organ Transplant Center.
A service will be held on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025 at Galilee United Methodist Church in Sterling, Va. from 2:00-3:00 PM. A Celebration of Life will follow at Trump National Golf Club in Potomac Falls, Va. from 3:30-6:30 PM.
Before he joined the Department of Veterans Affairs, Bell worked at Transamerica, PMC, Premier Mortgage, Aames Home Loan, Homegold and Bank of America, among others.
