James E. Bassett III

1921 - 2025

James E. Bassett III

October 26, 1921 - January 23, 2025

Midway, Kentucky - Lexington James E. (Ted) Bassett III, age 103, died on January 23, 2025, after a short illness. He was born on October 26, 1921, the son of the late Mr.& Mrs. James E. Bassett, Jr. of Lexington, KY. He was the husband of the late Lucy Alexander Gay. They were married Dec 2, 1950, at Christ Church in Lexington, KY.

He graduated from the Kent School, Kent, CT, in 1941, lettering in football, baseball, basketball (captain) and awarded the coveted Columbia Cup. He graduated from Yale in 1944. During his undergraduate days he was President of Delta Kappa Epsilon, member of Scroll & Key, Torch Honor Society, varsity basketball, Yale Record, Pundits, Interfraternity Council and Yale Cheerleader. President of the Yale alumni association of KY (1957-59).

He enlisted in the US Marine Corps, as a private and discharged as a 1st lieutenant after participating in the Okinawa campaign and the initial landing in Japan. For his marine service he was awarded two Purple Hearts, the Presidential Unit Citation, the USMC Semper Fidelis award (1990) and the US Navy Superior Service award (2010), the Congressional Medal of Honor Society Distinguished Citizen (2011), served as Chairman of the Marine Corps Coordinating Council of KY (2005-15).

He served as President of Keeneland Association (1971-86), Chairman (1986-2001), and Trustee (1995-2006).

He was President of the Breeders' Cup (1986-1996), Chairman of the World Racing Championships (1996-2004), President of the Thoroughbred Racing Associations (1985-1986), Chairman of the KY Horse Park (1980-1983), member of the Jockey Club, Steward (1993-97). Honorary member of the Victoria Racing Club (Australia) and the Associations of the Jockey Clubs of Latin America. Chairman of the UK Equine Research Foundation (1986-89).

He served as Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety (1956-67) under governors Chandler, Combs and Breathitt; and as the Director of the Kentucky State Police (1964-67).

He received many awards including the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame, Eclipse Award of Merit, Department of Navy Superior Public Ser- James Edward "Ted" Bassett, III vice Award, Congressional medal of Honor Society Distinguished Citizen Award and the English Lord Darby award.

Honorary degrees: Eastern KY University Doctor of Law (1976), Transylvania University Doctor of Law (1987). University of Kentucky Doctor of Law (1993).

Awards: Eclipse Award Of Merit (1996), Thoroughbred Club Honored Guest(1984), trustee American Horse Council (1985-87), National Turf Writers (1986), Lord Derby (1998), KY Athletic Hall Of Fame (1995), Transylvania Medal (1985), W H May(1997), The Galbreath (1999), Bluegrass Business Hall Of Fame (1992), Chandler Foundation (2000), KY Derby Festival Silver Award (2005), Layman Of The Year (2006), KTA Humanitarian (2008), Sanders Brown (2010), Lexington Philanthropist of the Year (2011), Midway University Il Pinkerton Vision Award (2023). He is survived by his sister-in-law Anne Pinckney Gay, his nieces Elizabeth Gay Freeman (George), Charlotte Gay Stites (John Clay), Anne Gay Donworth, his nephew James E. "Ted" Gay (Alyson), great nephews Reid Freeman (Liza), Will Freeman, Woods Freeman, Harrison Stites, Stewart Stites and James Bassett Gay, great nieces Elizabeth Stites, Maggie Donworth, Lucy Donworth and Elizabeth Gay.

He is also survived by his god daughter Holly Widemann and his many friends, including those from Keeneland, Breeders Cup, the State Police, the Marine Corps and his wonderful caregivers.

Honorary casket bearers: Edward Armento, James Edward "Ted" Gay, D.G. Van Clief, David Ewadinger, John Maddox, George Freeman, John Clay Stites, Richie Donworth, Reid Freeman, Will Freeman, Woods Freeman, Harrison Stites, Stewart Stites, James Bassett Gay.

Visitation to be held at the Keeneland Clubhouse on Monday, January 27, 2025, from 3-7 pm. Funeral service at Central Christian Church, 205 East Short Street, Lexington, KY Tuesday, January 28 at 11 am, with private family graveside ceremony at the Lexington Cemetery to follow.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, Kentucky Blood Center, the Gluck Equine Research Foundation or the organization of your choice.

Milward Broadway is entrusted with Mr. Bassett's arrangements. To share a remembrance of Ted or to offer condolences to his family, please visit milwardfuneral.com to sign the tribute portion of his obituary page.