| Notes |
- Orlando Sentinel
December 9, 2011
James S. "Jim" Bassett Sr.
(Picture included)
Bassett Sr., James S. "Jim", 77, Howey in the Hills resident, died Monday, December 5, 2011, with his family by his side, in Tavares, Florida. Mr. Bassett was born November 13, 1934, in Eustis, Florida, to Joseph H. and Willie Estelle Bassett. Growing up in Eustis, he graduated from Eustis High School in 1952, and attended the University of Florida. He later received his degree from Florida Technological University. As a member of the University of Florida swim team, Mr. Bassett contributed to winning two SEC championships. Pursuing his lifelong ambition to fly, he joined the Naval Reserve in 1952 and went to active duty in 1954. In the Navy Mr. Bassett flew the F6F Hellcat, SNJ, F9F Cougar, T-28, T-33, SNB, F-8 Crusader, and finally the A-4, as commanding officer of VA-203 at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. As a carrier pilot he was deployed on the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt, the USS America, the USS Forrestal, the USS Saratoga and the USS Lexington. He retired from the United States Naval Reserve at the rank of Captain in 1977. Mr. Bassett spent the remainder of his career as a commercial pilot, and continued to participate in his favorite pastime, building, restoring and flying airplanes of all types in and around Central Florida.
Mr. Bassett is survived by his sister, Marilyn McCown; his three children, Sharon Damron, Lynne Brooks, and Jim Bassett Jr.; two step-children Jack Rink and Geraldine Speed, seven grandchildren, Scott Weidl, Stacey Botyos, Brett Weidl, Shannon Magly, Riley, Hayden and Sophie Bassett; and five great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his wife, Maureen; and his brothers, Joseph H. Jr.; and William E. Bassett.
A memorial service will be held at Community Church, Howey in the Hills, at 11:00 a.m. on December 19, 2011. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at 3319 Maguire Blvd., Suite 101, Orlando, Florida 32803, or www.lls.org.
|
Bassett Family Association Database
1934 - 2011 (77 years)