of Little Rock, AR
March 7, 1937 - October 31, 2016
James Cooper Bass, Sr., 79, died October 31, 2016. He was born on March 7, 1937 in Little Rock, AR, to Walter R. Bass, Sr. and Mildred Walker Bass. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Patricia Newton Bass, children, daughter, Lynda Bass Gaiser (Norman "Jack" Gaiser) and son, James Cooper Bass, Jr., (Bonnie Bass), grandchildren, Kristina Carol Brown, (Aaron Brown) Robert Bass Gaiser, Savannah Leigh Gaiser and Jason Christopher Pontiff (Traci Johnson Pontiff) and great-grandchildren, Emmalee Rose Brown and Colton Wade Brown. Siblings Anne Fulk, Walter R. Bass, Sr., deceased, Claibourne W. Bass, Robert W. Bass, deceased, and Hugh M Bass.
Cooper's family has a long history in Arkansas. One ancestor was the commander at the Arkansas Post, Don Joseph Bernard Valliere D'Hauterive. In 1821 his 6th grandmother, Maria Toncray Watkins and her husband, Major Isaac Watkins, came to Arkansas Territory and in 1824 started the first church in Little Rock, which became First Christian Church in 1834.
Cooper was an Eagle Scout at age 14 and the Arkansas State Duncan Yoyo Champion in 1952. He was a Hendrix College graduate and did post graduate work at Memphis University and T.C.U.
A man of many talents, Cooper was a founding member of the Arkansas Ski Club with A.C. Lynch. He loved and restored Model As, and having worked for John Deere, he fell in love with antique Deere tractors, rebuilding and restoring several. As an avid hunter, Cooper traveled out west and to Canada, was a 57-year member of Caraway Deer Camp and founding member and owner of Long Shot Duck Club. After retiring as owner of an Aamco Transmission franchise, Cooper decided to get his pilot's license and bought a 1941 J-3 Piper Cub and totally restored it. "We stitched the wings."
Visitation on Saturday, November 5, at 1:00 and services at 2:00 at Roller Chenal Funeral Home on Chenal Parkway. Memorials may be made to First Christian Church on 1500 N. Mississippi Ave. Little Rock, AR. 72205.
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9 Condolence(s)
Gary Whitt
Saturday, November 5, 2016
Buster and I are sorry to hear of your loss. We pray God send his comfort to you and your family.
Ken Stewart
Friday, November 4, 2016
While we had never met Mr Bass, Sr., we do know James, Jr. and Bonnie and consider them both dear friends. In reading about Mr. Bass' background and comments from friends who knew him one cannot help but sense what a huge loss his passing is to you, his family.
We are deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Please accept our sincere sympathy and know our thoughts are with you.
Ken & Diane Stewart
Josh Kinder
Friday, November 4, 2016
In this time of sadness we are thinking about all of the Bass family. I am sorry to hear of Cooper's passing. Growing up at Caraway Hunting Club, I was around Cooper for many years and enjoyed countess visits and stories! He will be missed! We will be praying for you all.
Nowlen Families
Friday, November 4, 2016
Please know your family is being lifted up in our prayers. Ernest Nowlen like Mr. Cooper was one of the founders of Caraway Deer Camp in Monticello. Mr. Cooper was such a dear friend and Burton grew up at the camp with so much love for this wonderful man. As time past Burton too had a son who followed his dad by spending endless hours growing up at the camp and he too just loved Mr. Cooper. The stories he shared and times they spent at Carawsy in these three generations are remarkable. Mr. Cooper was much loved not only by our family but others at the camp as well. We have lost a wonderful friend and our hearts are saddened. Know how dear he was to all of us and he too will live on in our hearts. There are few people like Mr. Cooper and we are richer to have had him in our lives. We were Blessed to have had him in our lives for these past three generations.
Mike Kinder
Friday, November 4, 2016
My thoughts and prayers for the whole Bass family. I will be out of town for the service but will be thinking of all of you. Cooper was a very good friend! Very smart with great business savvy... and a great card playing partner :) He will be missed!
Richard Webber
Friday, November 4, 2016
Patricia, I'm so sorry to hear of Cooper's passing. I remember
all of the wonderful time we spent at Lake Hamilton. God Bless
you all. RAW
Harry Barrett
Thursday, November 3, 2016
So sorry to hear of Cooper's passing. Our deepest sympathy. Harry and BJ Barrett
Paula Oliver
Thursday, November 3, 2016
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all.
Joe Shelton
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
My heart goes out to my Family by choice! I remember the great times and memories made growing up in your home and sharing my home with James. I love all of you and am available in any capacity that is needed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Hugs!