Search by Name

Search by Name

James Morris "Jim" Bass

James Morris "Jim" Bass obituary, San Angelo, TX

James Bass Obituary

SAN ANGELO James Morris "Jim" Bass passed away Friday, Aug. 20, 2010, at his home in San Angelo, Texas, at the age of 97. Jim was born Jan. 22, 1913, in Brownsville, Texas, to John Isador and Mary Alberta Bass. It was during Jim's youth in his hometown of Paris, Texas, when the automobile first became a significant part of his life. He was working parttime in garages and gas stations and soon realized he enjoyed being around anything related to cars. After attending Paris Junior College, he went to work for an auto parts business. Jim worked for Ford Motor Company in the Dallas district office for more than 15 years. As part of his job, he would travel throughout West Texas calling on Ford dealerships. It was during this time, he became aware of San Angelo and the possibility of living here. In 1961, Jim was able to purchase the San Angelo Ford dealership with his friend from the Dallas area, Lee Jarmon. From the beginning and for 49 years, Jim was passionate about all aspects of Jim Bass Ford ? the products sold, the services provided, his customers, but perhaps most notably, his employees. His affection for everyone associated with any part of the dealership was evident to all who worked for him. After Jim's move to San Angelo, he met Irene and her daughter, Cheri. On July 5, 1962, in Corpus Christi, Texas, Jim and Irene, were married and with their children, Leslie, John and Cheri, became the original "Bass Bunch." Jim and Irene purchased a ranch in 1991, and spent many memorable times there enjoying the wildlife and being outdoors. He really got a kick out of driving around the ranch and feeding his guard donkey, Poncho. In later years, his hobbies were politics, naps and a never-ending involvement in his businesses. Among Jim's other passions was his love of his country. Being a World War II veteran, he whole heartedly supported our armed forces and all military service personnel. Jim was a member of First United Methodist Church, a member of the Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow and active in the San Angelo community, serving on various boards and organizations. He was a steadfast supporter of the Lighthouse for the Blind, the United Way and Meals for the Elderly. Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Irene Bass; his sister, Evelyn Leary; and his cousin and best friends, Butchie and Bill Bryan. He is survived by his son, James M. Bass Jr. of Fort Worth; his daughter and son-in-law, Leslie and Greg Gossett; his son and daughter-in-law, John and Jeannie Bass; and his daughter, Cheri Holt, all of San Angelo. Also surviving Jim are his grandchildren, Jimmy Bass and wife Stefanie, Kelley Rivalta and husband Reno, Stephen Gossett and fiance Catherine King, Sarah Cypert and husband Wade, Allison Chapman and husband Matt, Melanie Bass, James Holt and David Holt and wife Stephnie; and his 13 great-grandchildren, Chelsea, Adyson, James, Jayce, RJ, Bella, Klaire, Lily, Wayd, Austin, Brendan, Mackenzie and Hailey. Also surviving Jim are his dear niece, Carolyn Reidy of Loveland, Colo.; and his very special friends, Frances and John South of San Angelo. The Bass family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Hospice of San Angelo and to the special ladies at Angelo Health Care ? Mariza, Sylvia, Julia, Renee and Lupe ? and all the others who pampered, spoiled and survived hours of Fox News at high volume. Following a private graveside burial, there will be a celebration of Jim's life at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 23, at First United Methodist Church of San Angelo, 37 E. Beauregard Ave. Dr. Ricky Burke of First United Methodist Church and the Rev. Ben Hubert of First Christian Church of San Angelo will officiate. Memorials may be made to Meals for the Elderly, 310 E. Houston Harte, San Angelo, Texas 76903, or your favorite charity. Family and friends may sign an online register book at johnsons-funeralhome.com.



To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by GoSanAngelo from Aug. 22 to Aug. 24, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for James Bass

Not sure what to say?





Mike Pollak

May 13, 2011

God bless the best person I haver known.Uu

September 11, 2010

Cheri and Leslie, I am so sorry for your loss. I remember how special you both were to me and I am glad you had your dad for all these years. God Bless you and yours. Cheryl Cypert Scott

Jim Robinson, Jr.

August 25, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Doss Rogers

August 25, 2010

Mr Bass and my Dad Bill Rogers were legends in the car business in West Texas, men of their word, stand up men of charcter. We will miss Mr. Bass.

Dave Wells

August 25, 2010

Our sincere sympathy to the Bass Family. Jim was a real champion of the Blind in San Angelo. He will be missed by the entire community.

The West Texas Lighthouse for the Blind

Dick Kibiloski

August 24, 2010

John, Jeannie, and Family,
Debbie and I were saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Bass. We both have such fond memories of being a part of the Bass Bunch. He truly was one of a kind. Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Dick and Debbie Kibiloski

Ed Dietz III

August 24, 2010

What a man, what a legacy. I never had the privilege of meeting him, but knowing his sons and grandson and some of the grandkids tells you all you need to know. May he rest in peace and keep an eye on all of you..

Sarah Naifeh

August 23, 2010

As a Ford Motor Company employee, I had the privilege of calling on Mr. Bass and the whole "Bass Bunch". I consider Mr. Bass one of my West Texas mentors who taught me the "Car Bidniz". I'll never forget the many lunches at Dunbar's with Mr. Bass, John Bass, and Mike Lomas. Fun times, indeed! My thoughts are with the Bass Family/Bunch. Jim Bass...A Great Ford Dealer, A Great American, A Great Man.

Rosa and Gilbert Cedillo

August 23, 2010

I had the pleasure of meeting the Great Mr Bass at one of their annual Christmas parties. He was just as wonderful as we had heard. And now He is now surrounded by Angels and God in heaven. May God bless the caring Bass Family during your loss.

August 23, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. He was a great man who touched many lives. May God Bless you all.
Margarite Stokes

Kirk & Brenda Vaughn

August 23, 2010

Our Deepest Sympathy goes out to the Bass Family in the loss of Mr.Bass. May God Bless each and everyone of you in this time of sorrow.

Jeff Ward

August 23, 2010

As a past employee I remember him telling us at the Christmas party how much he cared for all of us. He was in his 90's at the time and still sharp as a tack. He will be missed! Deepest sympathies to all the Bass's from Jeff Ward and the Auto Wrangler Group.

Susan Childress

August 22, 2010

I am sorry for your loss. May God comfort you today and the days ahead.

August 22, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time. Jim was a great and caring man. He will be missed by many. God Bless your family.
Monk and Shirley McKay

Larry & Sharon Gregory

August 22, 2010

We were so sorry to hear of Mr. Basses passing, he meant so much to so many people. He was without a doubt the best boss anyone could ask for. We will be praying for all the family as well as everyone that held him in their hearts. Larry and Sharon Gregory

August 22, 2010

Our deepest sympathy to the Bass Family. This kind and caring man who always thought of others will be missed by many.
May you have wonderful memories of Mr.Bass.May god bless the family and give them peace.

Rita and Conrad Robledo and family

August 22, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers go out for you at the time. May God bless and give you peace.

Always, Mike and Trudy Hennings

Jahron Nesbitt

August 22, 2010

May the sweet memories of your Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and Uncle always be with you.
Love to all,
The Nesbitt Family

August 22, 2010

So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Mother and Dad enjoyed telling of going on Jim and Irene's honeymoon to Las Vegas. It was the Ford Motor new model intoduction show.
Andrews Family

Casey & Tulisha Bennett

August 22, 2010

Our deepest sympathies. God Bless Mr. Bass, and his family

Oscar Acevedo

August 22, 2010

To The Bass Family, I sincerely as a past Jim Bass Ford employee, wish to express my most sincere condolences in the lost of a wonderful caring, loving, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, boss and etc. etc. May God bless you all in this time of grief and know that Mr.Bass's memories will live on forever and rejoice that he is now in peace with our loving savior above and watching over you. Mr. Bass was a great man, one that was liked and respected by all and the best boss that anyone could ever have the pleasure of working for.

God's Blessings To All The Family and All Those That Were Ever Touched By His Wonderful and Loving Heart.

Sincerely,
Oscar Acevedo and Family

Melvin Davis

August 21, 2010

Please accept our deepest sympathies.

Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results

Make a Donation
in James Bass's name

Memorial Events
for James Bass

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor James Bass's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more