James Howard Bass' Obituary
Funeral Service for Elder James Howard "Jim" Bass, 84, of Auburn, will be Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at 12:00 pm at the Chapel of Langley Funeral Home. Elder Mark Haynes and Elder John Wingard will officiate. Burial will follow in the Tallapoosa County Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 from 10:30 am to 11:30 am at Langley Funeral Home.
Jim passed away peacefully on June 29, 2024, at Arbor Lake Health & Rehab in Auburn. Born on May 6, 1940, in Elmore County, to Curtis Warren Bass and Cordelia Henderson Bass, Jim's early years were marked by a profound sense of duty and service, which would define the course of his honorable life.
Jim's dedication to his country was evident through his service in the United States Army. His continuing commitment to serve led him to a career with the Montgomery Police Department, followed by a distinguished tenure with the Alabama State Troopers, where he served until his retirement in 1988. Jim's passion for service did not wane with retirement, as he soon heeded a higher calling into the ministry, touching countless lives as an Elder at Bethel Primitive Baptist Church and pastoring at several churches within the denomination.
Jim found contentment in the simple pleasures of daily life post-retirement. He loved his family and there was nothing more important than bringing the family together to celebrate. He was a masterful gardener and enjoyed spending hours with his wife, Betty, tending to their flowers and vegetables. He was self-reliant, if something needed to be built or fixed, he would tackle it.
Jim will be remembered as a loving and faith-filled man. He adored his wife, Betty, loved his children, and took pride in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a man who quietly placed others before himself, embodying the virtues of kindness, generosity, and humility. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know him, and in the many lives he enriched through his commitment to faith and community. Jim's presence will be deeply missed, yet his spirit will continue to guide and inspire us all.
He is survived by his children, Kim (Rick) Vest, Rev. Tim (Somer) Bass, Brad (Amy) Bass, and Celeste (Dodd) Starbird; grandchildren, Justin (Audrey) Vest, Caitlin Vest (Austin) Burns, Joshua (Haley) Bass, Alyssa (Zachary) Hall, Chrissie (Ryan) Steff, Trevor (Katie) Bass, Kurt (Meg) Branch, Clay (Emily) Branch, Conner (Ashley) Branch, James (Ashleigh) Starbird, Aspen (Mason) Starbird, Autumn Starbird, and Jade Starbird; twenty-one great grandchildren; and brother, Bennie Bass.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Betty Bass; great-granddaughter Aubrey Bass; sisters, Frances Clayton and Nellie Ledbetter; brothers, Billy Bass, Sam Bass, and Barney Bass.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the doctors, nurses, and staff of Arbor Lake Heath and Rehab.
Langley Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Elder James Howard Bass.
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?