James Wilbur Bassett Sr., PhD

1923 - 2012

James Wilbur Bassett Sr., PhD obituary, 1923-2012, College Station, TX

FUNERAL HOME

Memorial Funeral Chapel College Station

2901 Texas Ave South

College Station, Texas

James Bassett Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 13, 2012.

James Wilbur Bassett was born in Greenville, Texas on July 22, 1923. He left this world to join the God he loved on Monday, November 12, 2012. He was surrounded by family at his home of 50 years in College Station, Texas. He was the son of the late James W. and Pansy Lee Bassett.

There will be a memorial service at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 24, 2012 at Peace Lutheran Church.

Jim grew up in Amarillo, Texas where he graduated from Amarillo High School at the age of 16. He spent two years at Austin College in Sherman, Texas before transferring to Texas A&M College in 1942. He served in the Navy from 1943 to 1946. While stationed in Austin, Texas with the V12 Navy College Training Program he ran on the University of Texas Cross Country Team. Toward the end of his Navy career he met the love of his life, Mary Christine McIntosh. After he finished his Navy commitment, he returned to Texas A&M and finished his bachelor's degree in Animal Science in July of 1948. He joined the Agricultural Extension Service in Mena, Arkansas.

Jim and Mary were married on October 21, 1949 at the First Southern Presbyterian Church in Austin. They lived in Mena, Arkansas for a year, after which Jim began work on his Master's degree in Animal Science at the University of Wyoming in Laramie. While there, James Jr. was born. In 1951, the family moved to Bozeman, Montana where Jim completed his Master's Degree and worked in the wool department of Montana State College. During this time, the busy couple had five more children. In 1962 Jim continued work on his PhD at Texas A&M; he accepted a permanent position with the Department of Animal Science in 1963. He completed his PhD in 1965.

Jim coached many national championship wool judging teams while at Montana State and Texas A&M. He was the head of the Sheep and Goat Division for the Texas A&M University Animal Science Department and was one of the world's most respected experts in the study and production of wool and mohair fibers. During his tenure at Texas A&M, he traveled to Botswana, Tanzania, South Africa, Tunisia, Peru, China, and many other places to consult, lecture, and work with local sheep and goat farmers. Jim retired from Texas A&M in 1987 and was honored with the title of Professor Emeritus. He loved teaching, and he returned twice after his retirement to teach sheep and goat courses.

Jim loved his family, loved his church, loved to run, loved to teach, and loved to travel. Jim was an elder at the First Presbyterian Church in Bozeman, a deacon and elder at A&M Presbyterian Church in College Station, and a charter member and treasurer of Peace Lutheran Church in College Station. He ran 14 marathons, his first at the age of 50. Among his marathons were the New York, Boston, San Francisco, Galveston, Houston, Fort Worth, and three at Texas A&M. He continued to run until his legs couldn't run anymore. His trips with his beloved Mary took them to England and Scotland, Germany, Poland, Canada, and many other places, including many trips to their beloved Fort Davis, Texas where the couple has a permanent home.

At the age of 80, he fulfilled a dream he had for years – he skydived! Many family members watched as he jumped out of a small plane and floated toward Coulter Field.

Jim has donated his body to the Texas A&M Medical School for use in medical education and research.

Jim was preceded in death by his grandson, Joshua Lee Tackett.

Jim is survived by his wife Mary, his children Jamie and Jeanie Bassett, Jayne and Charlie Jenkins, Martha Tackett, John and Bridget Bassett all of College Station, Peter and Jill Bassett of New Braunfels, Paul and Jane Bassett of Austin, 19 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, his brother Clarence Bassett of Austin and his brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Betty Bassett of Uvalde.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hospice Brazos Valley, Bloys Campmeeting Association or the Volunteer Fire Department of Ft. Davis, Texas. A special thanks is given for the loving care of Crestview Home Health and the special workers from Hospice Brazos Valley – Emily, Sam, and Sam.

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

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Not sure what to say?

November 22, 2012

Abdul Majid

Dear Mrs. Bassett, I am saddened by the news that Dr Bassett has left this world to be with God. I came to know him as a student studying animal science at Texas A&M in the early 80's. He was truly compassionate and a very understanding teacher. In fact, he was more like a friend to me. Before I left home to my country, I did pay Dr Bassett and you a visit. My prayers are with you and your family.

November 21, 2012

Kathy (Donovan) Furman

Mary, I am so very sorry to know of the loss of your beloved Jim. My thoughts and prayers to your family. And my God bless and keep you in his loving embrace.

November 21, 2012

Misty

Thoughts and prayers with you Mrs Bassett. I pray God will comfort you and your family during this difficult time.

November 21, 2012

Irma Akins

Mary Christine, I am not sure my previous message got through. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am so glad for the time spent with you and your dear husband a few years ago at Bloys. May you and yours be surrounded by His wonderful love and grace. Much love, Irma Frances

November 20, 2012

Jerry Cooper

The College Park neighborhood is saddened at the loss of our very special neighbor. Jim always took a keen interest in preserving the history and the vitality of Southside. He will be sorely missed. Carole and I appreciated his ready smile and his perseverance in spite of his difficulties. God has a special place for Jim.

November 19, 2012

Ronald Pope

I am saddened by the passing of Dr. Bassett. I never had him as a formal teacher, but learned a great deal from him at many different educational and informational events. He was a quite and unassuming individual who made you feel that you were the most important person to devote his attention too at the time.He was a true gentleman and a great example of his faith.

November 19, 2012

Linder Jones

We are very sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. Please know that we as well as the community will miss him dearly.
Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you, your family and friends during this difficult time.
KAMU Staff

November 19, 2012

Joe and Toni D'Alessandris

What a wonderful individual, who, along with Mary, made our short time in College Station so special. Our lives were blessed by knowing Jim. Our love goes to all the Bassett family.

November 19, 2012

Rodney Kott

Sorry to hear about Dr. Bassett. He was very influential in my career and will always be remembered as a true friend and mentor. My prayers are with you and your family.

November 19, 2012

Debra Capps and Family

The loss of a father weighs heavily on a heart and we send you our deepest sympathies. Jaime, please accept a virtual hug for now.

November 19, 2012

Beth Roe

Dear Mary,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I am praying for you and for your family.
I send love to you...

November 19, 2012

Cheesta Daftarian

Dr Bassett was one of the most amazing individuals that I had ever met. He was kind, spirtual, compassionate, and intelligent. He truly loved life and adored his family. I feel truly blessed to have known him. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Bassett Family.

November 18, 2012

Chaplain Richard Reuer

I wish to extend to you and to members of your family my deepest sympathy on your loss. May the Lord's loving promises comfort you and give you strength as you walk through this difficult time. On behalf of a grateful nation and an expression of appreciation for the honorable and faithful service rendered by your loved one, if you wish for a personalized memorial card mailed to you with history of playing of taps, 21 gun salutes, meaning of each fold of the flag as a keepsake, please send your request to:
Chaplain Richard Reuer, Honoring Those Who Served Ministry
1206 6th St SW
Minot, ND 58701
Or click on CONTACT ME to email me your mailing address for which card be mailed to.

This service is free to all veteran families. I wish to thank you for your serving from one veteran to another – Thanks!
Fair Winds and Following Seas

Posted by Chaplain Richard Reuer

November 18, 2012

Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Fry

Blessings to your family.

November 18, 2012

Our prayers are with the Bassett family.

Raymond and Annette Naylor

November 18, 2012

Lavoisier Akoolo

My prayers go to the family, may the Lord of all comfort be your portion at this time of loss.

November 18, 2012

Gary Potter

My heart is broken. Jim Bassett was a great man and a true friend to me. He will be missed forever by all who knew and loved him. I pray for God's blessings on the family as you work your way through this time of grief and loss.

November 18, 2012

Sharon Cashion

Such wonderful memories of the Bassett family in the life of our Church growing up, and through the school years. So hard to lose such a Beloved parent but Peace knowing they are going Home.
My thoughts and prayers to all of you,
Sharon Cashion

November 18, 2012

My love to all the Bassett family on the passing of Jim. That sweet, quiet man Will be missed. Mary, remember you in my prayers. Love, Neta Graves

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