James Carl Bass was born to Jesse and Ida Jane Kinney Bass on September 17, 1924, the youngest of nine children. He attended elementary school in Cushing, Texas and lived most of his life in and around Cushing and Rusk, Texas until he was drafted into the U.S. Naval Air Force in September of 1943. He served in the Navy for almost three years and was discharged in February of 1946. Most of his time was spent at the Naval Air Station at Kingsville, Texas.
In 1952, he moved to Garland, Texas and lived most of his adult life here. He was employed by Simmons Mattress Company at that time. He was employed by Safeway Milk Plant where he retired in 1984.
He was a longtime member of Orchard Hills Baptist Church in Garland. He previously attended Central Baptist Church and Southside Assembly of God.
Carl was active in volunteer service with the Texas Youth Commission including Gainesville State School, Youth Village at Hutchins, TX, the Dallas County Juvenile Detention Center, and the Garland City Jail. He had a strong belief in God, believing that Jesus Christ died for our sins and that if we accepted Him as Savior and Lord of our lives that we would live in Heaven for all eternity. He witnessed this message to as many people as he could. In May of 1998, he completed Chaplaincy Training in Juvenile Justice.
Carl was preceded in death by his son, James Gregory Bass; his grandson, Timothy Watson; parents, Jesse and Ida Jane Bass; two brothers; and six sisters.
He is survived by his wife, Alice Gail Bass of Garland, TX; daughter, Pamela Freeman of Forney, TX; step-son, Medwin Gattis and his wife, April of Bay City, TX; two step-daughters, Lynette Madson of Reading, PA and Lori Kent and her husband, Steven of McKinney, TX; four grandchildren, Kendra Watson, Thomas Watson and his wife, Wendi, Rhonda Watson and Scott Watson and his wife, Tamara; ten step-grandchildren, Bobby Gattis, Ryan Gattis, Amy Marroquin and her husband, Greg, Vince Daniel VanValkenburg, Eric Matson and his wife, Erika, Aaron Matson, Katelyn Kent, Steven Kent, William Kent, and Kelsey Kent; eight great-grandchildren, Justin Watson, Corey Bowens, Aaron Watson, Heather Watson, Keyonna Watson, DeShawn Session, Jayden Traylor, and Brilee Watson;
three step-great grandchildren, Julian Matson, Arrie Gray Marroquin and Avery Grace Marroquin; numerous nieces, nephews and other family members.
The family would like to thank the VNA Hospice Team for all of their love, care and support and would like to thank the Jonathan Sunday School Class of Orchard Hills Baptist Church for the food provided for the family during this time.