Notes:

Obituary:

James Shepard Bass, a life long resident of Fort Myers, and a regular visitor of Estes Park, Colorado, passed away on August 15th, 2009 at Gulf Coast Hospital, after a hard fought battle with cancer. The youngest child of Arthur Donald and Elizabeth Louise (Miles), he graduated from Fort Myers High School in 1962. After attending college, James enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he joined the prestigious Fifth Special Forces Group, "The Green Beret", serving as a Specialist Fourth Class in unit A254 from 1966-1969. While serving with distinction, he was awarded the Bronze Star, for Meritorious Achievement.

Upon his return home, James married Jeannie Faye (Chappelle) in 1974. He had two daughters, Jennifer Louise and Jeannie Rebecca (White). While raising his own children, he also mentored a great number young people in the community.

James was a husband, father, inventor, artist, collector, philanthropist, and devoted public servant. His proudest moments included his wedding, the births of his children, his service in Vietnam, and obtaining several pioneer patents. He may best be known locally for giving out his famous peanut butter fudge, for which he received a commendation from the Fort Myers Police Department. He lived a life full of love, humor, and passion.

He is survived by his loving wife, two daughters, son-in-law, sister Sidney Anne (Brinson), brothers and sisters in law, and numerous friends.

Calling hours will be at Harvey-Engelhardt-Metz Funeral Home on Friday, August 21 from 4-7 pm. Funeral to be held at the First United Methodist Church, of which he was a life long member, on Saturday, August 22 at 10 am with burial and collation to be held immediately after.

Contributions can be made on his behalf to The Special Forces Warrior Foundation and the United Methodist Children's Home. Condolences may be viewed and offered at www.harvey-engelhardt-metz.com

(Published in The Fort Myers News-Press on August 19, 2009)

James married Jeannie Faye Chappelle 15 Mar 1974, Fort Myers, Lee County, Florida, USA. Jeannie (daughter of Richard Thomas Chappelle, Sr. and Gloria Bernice Crumpler) was born 27 Sep 1946, Fort Myers, Lee County, Florida, USA; died 6 Jan 2020, Fort Myers, Lee County, Florida, USA; was buried 18 Jan 2020, Fort Myers Memorial Gardens - Fort Myers, Florida, USA. [Group Sheet]

1. J.L. Bass
2. J.R. Bass