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- Times Record, Fort Smith, Arkansas, Friday, May 5, 2006
James Elvin Bass
James Elvin Bass, born Nov. 9, 1936, in England, passed from this life on Monday, May 1, 2006. He died from complications of Alzheimer's disease. He was preceded in death by his parents, Amos and Ruby Bass; brother, Aubrey "A.J." Bass; and sister, Dorothy Coney.
He leaves behind his precious wife of 45 years, Mary Spradling Bass of Little Rock; daughter, Cheryl Williams and husband Paul of Little Rock; son, Leigh Bass and wife Lisa of Hartford; one sister, Mattie Pitts and husband Don of Jacksonville; two brothers, John Bass and wife Ann of Amherst, Ohio, and Clyde Bass and wife Pat of Southaven, Miss.; sister-in-law, Norma Bass of Mabelvale; brother-in-law, Don Spradling and wife Rosemary of Fort Smith; mother-in-law, Raye Spradling of Barling; many nieces and nephews; seven grandchildren, Andrew, Stephen and Sara Williams, and Chelsea, Hayden, Logan and Jacob Bass.
James grew up in the England area and graduated from Plum Bayou High School. He was a good athlete in school and played softball and basketball through his early adult years. When his knees wouldn't permit anymore sports, he became an umpire instead. He worked both in construction and as a salesman/manager of Waterworks Supply Co. for many years. He was a natural salesman because he never met a stranger. Even when struggling with Alzheimer's disease, he would smile and speak to everyone, especially little children. James was a devoted husband and father. He took great pride in the accomplishments of all his family, but especially his children and grandchildren. They also adored their Papaw James!
A veteran of the Persian Gulf War, Operation Desert Storm, he retired as a staff sergeant from the Army National Guard. When the 142nd Field Artillery Unit of Fort Chaffee was called up for duty in November 1990, he was proud and anxious to serve.
The past several years of living with Alzheimer's disease have been difficult for him and his family. The family wishes to thank the many family and friends for their prayers and acts of kindness. Thanks go to the physicians and staff of the UAMS Reynolds Center for their expertise and care. Also thanks to Alzheimer's Arkansas, especially the Tuesday night support team group. A special thank you to the staff of Unit 1-D at the North Little Rock Veterans Hospital, who have blessed us with their patient and loving care of James.
James and Mary are members of Parkway Place Baptist Church of Little Rock, and a memorial service will be held there today at 1 p.m. Funeral services will be at Hartford First Baptist Church in Hartford on Saturday, May 6 at 11 a.m. with burial to follow. This will be under the direction of McConnell Funeral Home of Greenwood.
Memorials may be made to Parkway Place Baptist Church Children's building fund; or to Alzheimer's Arkansas in Little Rock.
Pallbearers will be Carl Hoopengarner, Tommy Burns, John Hunt, Duane Williams, Odell Brewer and Lavern Pickle.
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Bassett Family Association Database
1936 - 2006 (69 years)