James David Bass

1945 - 2017

James David Bass obituary, 1945-2017

BORN

1945

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

McLarens Resthaven Chapel & Mortuary

801 19th Street

West Des Moines, Iowa

James Bass Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Mar. 13, 2017.

JAMES DAVID BASS
Grimes

James "Jim" Bass, 71, died at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines, IA, on Sunday, March 12, 2017 at 4:05 a.m. as a result of complications from a massive stroke and Myasthenia Gravis. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in West Des Moines on Thursday, March 16th at 2:00 p.m. A committal service is planned for 2 p.m. Friday at Spirit Lake Memorial Gardens followed by an additional Celebration of Life service at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Spirit Lake at 2:30 p.m.

Jim was born on November 15, 1945 in Pontiac, Michigan, the son of D. George Bass and Angeline Frances Chantiny Bass. He graduated in 1964 from Reese High School in Reese, Michigan. Jim married Ann Ayres on November 23, 1979 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Reese, Michigan.

Work History:
• Auxiliary Police Office for Reese, Michigan
• Over the road truck driver
• Reese Plumbing and Heating, Reese Michigan
• Owner of Bass Plumbing and Heating, Spirit Lake, IA
• Machine operator at Joy Dirt Construction, Cushing, IA
• Maintenance at Crescent Beach Resort, Okoboji, IA; Cutty's, Okoboji, IA; Dallas Center- Grimes School District, Grimes, IA
• Special Ed Associate at AOMV Middle School, Anthon, IA
• Bus Driver at Anthon Oto- Maple Valley School District; Anthon, IA; and Dallas Center- Grimes School District, Grimes, IA
• Retired shortly after being diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis

He was an active member of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in West Des Moines.

He is survived by his wife, Ann Marie Ayres Bass of Grimes; four siblings, Leonard (Holly) Bass of Watrousville, MI, Joan Reddout of Vassar, MI, Judy (Jim) Manning of Vassar, MI, and Dean (Karen) Bass of Bay City, MI; mother-in-law, Mary Lou Ayres of Spirit Lake, IA; brother-in-law & sister-in-law, Rick (Sue) Ayres of Spirit Lake, IA; nieces and nephews, Sara Bass, Neal Freeland, Erika (Jamie) Sisson, Aaryn Richard (David Templeton), Laura and Emily Bass, Laura Ayres (Matt) Garred, Emily Ayres, Laura (Matt) Fouty, Lisa (Blake) Norris; six great-nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Brody. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law, Dick Ayres.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 15th at McLaren's Resthaven Chapel in West Des Moines, IA. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, or Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church. Online tributes may be left at: www.mclarensresthavenchapel.com

Jim never knew stranger. He always enjoyed people. The students at school and on the bus always loved "Jim". He was a very supportive husband in Ann's school and church activities (built musical sets, hauled & repaired musical equipment, sound technician, and making Ann's lunches.) Jim enjoyed spending time in the woods, cutting and splitting wood, working on "projects", fishing, camping, traveling, and spending time at the cottage on Big Spirit. He enjoyed spending time with his family, friends and his many dogs throughout the years. On Jim's resurrection Sunday… he traded his walker and wheel chair for a set of wings to fly to heaven with his tool belt strapped on, ready to fix things for the Lord.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for James Bass

Sponsored by McLarens Resthaven Chapel & Mortuary.

What is your first memory of James?

Share a favorite memory you have of James.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with James.

Describe a time when James made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about James?

Talk about a shared experience you had with James.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of James.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving James.

What is something you learned from James?

Not sure what to say?

March 17, 2017

To all the Bass family an friends, my love and sorrow are with u all. Although I really didn't know Jim , I do know Dean an Karen, an their parents. I will be keeping Jim and family all in my prayers! Wish I could do more. Your a wonderful family! All my Love Pat Yuenger.

March 17, 2017

Dan Kaufeld

The three Bass brothers were quite a team! Very interesting to have as cousins! When we were all a lot younger... and got together for a visit, there was always something new and exciting (and sometimes a little crazy) going on. The loss of Jim is a major impact. We will all miss him.

March 16, 2017

Steve & Pam Palm

It was wonderful to see you again on Wednesday, yet under such sad circumstances. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time. You and Jim have been such a big part of our family and the rest of the Grimes community. We join in with the rest of the DC-G family as we embrace you with all our love. All our children's lives have been richly blessed by having you and Jim a part of their upbringing. God Bless you Ann Bass!

Steve, Pam, Ryley, & Preston Palm

March 15, 2017

Marsha Hill

2nd Story Shared my Marsha Hill- from Reese, Michigan
But the one with the car, that girl ran the red light smashed back of my 67 Chevy, I went to Kamms in Reese to buy a new wheel cover and Leonard saw me, told me to bring the car over to his house. So, The two of them hooked a chain around my back bumper and around that big old tree in the driveway. Then three or four times they drove my car and jerked that bumper back out of the vehicle and each time that car would come to the end of that chain, it would come up in the air and It just like having the accident all over again. When they were done pulling the bumper out then they took a 4 x 4 piece of wood held it against the tree and backed the car into the wood to get it straightened out the other way. That tree took a lot of beating that day, but when they were done the car was drivable. Then Jim used a Molly I think it was called and tapped some of the crinkles out shot it was some paint and it lasted six more years. We finally took the motor out of that car and Leonard put it in a cherry picker. And my dad made a deal Leonard could use the cherry picker anytime if he put my engine in it. Hope these stories help, hang in there.

March 15, 2017

Marsha Hill

From Marsha Hill: Sharing a memory...
Here's a story,
When Jim was a truck driver I went with him on a run up to Alpena or someplace like that it was pretty cool. One time we went to see the ice come up on the shores somewhere up there that was neat. I remember one time some kids stole Dean's bike and Jim came home had his vest on from trucking, and I can still him walking down that sidewalk to where those kids were, with a very determined look -he came back with the bike in his hands.
One time I was over there visiting the family and Jim had just come back from hauling molasses I think it was , and he laid on the floor in the front room, the family watching TV and that little dachshund licked his face all over- said it was because he liked the molasses, it was funny.

March 15, 2017

Marsha Hill

Ann, so sorry to hear about Jim, he was a great guy, and you were a wonderful couple! You asked for a favorite story: back about 1975, a girl ran a red light smashing the rear quarter panel of my 67 Chevy! Jim and Leonard hooked a chain on the rear bumper and around a tree and pulled the bumper straight. Jim hammered out most of the wrinkles, shot it was some paint, looked pretty good.

March 15, 2017

Eileen Schrader

Posted by Eileen Schrader

March 14, 2017

Ardine Burgess

Dean, Karen, and Bass family,

So very sorry to hear of your loss.

Ardine KC8VPU

March 14, 2017

Laura Hanna

Dear Ann-Lavila told me about Jim's passing. I am sorry for your loss. Please know that thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Laura Hanna

March 14, 2017

Larry Meggers

Ann, Sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you and your family. We have the Blessed Assurance that we will see Jim when we are reunited with him in the house of the Lord.

March 14, 2017

Doug/Carolyn Drake

Ann our thoughts and prayers are with you.jim Will be missed by many including us.

March 14, 2017

Ethan Kleckner

So sorry to hear this. My thoughts and prayers are with you Ann.

March 14, 2017

Thomas Kern

Dear ann, so sorry to hear about Jim. Junanne and I will keep you in our prayers. Love, Tom and junanne kern. 7747. 95th Ave.canadian lakes, mi. 49346. As you can see we have moved.

March 14, 2017

Connie/Bill Wymer

Ann, we are so sorry to hear of Jim's passing and know he will be greatly missed. He stopped in the office awhile back when you were staying at the lake, just to say ' hi'. We enjoyed the visit. God Bless you and your family at this difficult time.

March 14, 2017

Friend

Bill and Cele Thompson

Dear Ann,
Our prayers are with you. Jim was a great guy!

March 13, 2017

Debra Powell (Goss)

I'm so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. My prayers are with the Bass family. May God comfort you in this sorrowful time.

March 13, 2017

Mary Ann Koder

Dear Ann, so sorry for your loss. May the Lord hold you tight and give you strength. Prayers for blessed memories and peace in your heart.
Mary Ann Koder & Family

March 13, 2017

Ann, I'm sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He was a kindhearted man, and I couldn't agree more-he never knew a stranger. I will keep you in my prayers!

March 13, 2017

Peggy Rick

I will never forget when Ann and Jim came to our home during the flood of '93. After helping us install a sump pump, the chain saw came out and there Jim was saying a tree down to prevent it from hitting our hoist. Jim and Ann have always been there with my losses. I hope I can repay. I truly believe Jim is up in heaven repairing and helping all the other angels out. Hugs to the family.

Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results

Make a Donation
in James Bass's name

Memorial Events
for James Bass

Mar

15

Visitation

5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

McLarens Resthaven Chapel & Mortuary

801 19th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265

Mar

16

Celebration of Life

2:00 p.m.

Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church

West Des Moines, IA

Mar

17

Celebration of Life

2:30 p.m.

Immanuel Lutheran Church

Spirit Lake, IA

Mar

17

Committal

2:00 p.m.

Spirit Lake Memorial Gardens

IA

Funeral services provided by:

McLarens Resthaven Chapel & Mortuary

801 19th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265

How to support James's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor James Bass's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more