James Edwin Bass

James Edwin Bass, 91, of Valdese went to his heavenly home on Monday, August 19, 2019.  Born in Burke County, NC on September 20, 1927, he was the son of the late James Leon Bass and Pearl Mae Burgin.  James was a member and former deacon of High Peak Baptist Church.  James was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and served on the USS South Dakota.  He was a patriotic man who loved the Lord and his country.  He enjoyed hunting and fishing, but his passion was playing music.  He was a very talented musician who played banjo, guitar, mandolin, and fiddle.  He was a member of the Bluegrass Gospel Band who played in churches and the Drexel Barbershop.

James is survived by his wife, Margaret Pritchard Bass; son, James Bass (Catherine); daughters, Joyce Bass Wilber (Mike), Wanda Kay Bass Cook (Bob), Delores Bass Trenary (Gilbert), Karen Bass Suttles (Tim), and Libby Pritchard Bridges; grandchildren, Bryan Bass, Michael Wilber, Teresa Cook, Bobby Cook, Rebecca Shelton, Tommy Joe Hensley, Windy Reinhardt, Christine Suttles Wolfe, and Tim Eugene Suttles; twenty-three great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Lula Mae Roberts (Rom) and Martha Rector (Marshall); brother, George Bass (Chris); and a number of nieces, nephews, and extended family.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his first wife, Fannie Fox Bass; granddaughter, Debra Bass Edwards; and sister, Josephine Bass Browning.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m., Friday, August 23, 2019 at High Peak Baptist Church.  The memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. in the church with Dr. Kevin Purcell and Pastor Ricky Watkins officiating.  Military honors will be provided by the U.S. Navy and the Caldwell County Veterans Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.