Obituary of James C. Bass

James Carol Bass was born May 1953 in Raleigh NC. He died peacefully Feb 16, 2016 at home in Banner Elk NC. Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 38 years, Vickie Beasley Bass. Surviving family includes his father, Aaron Bass and stepmother Jackie Bass of Raleigh, sister, Elizabeth Bass Behrens of Riverview, FL, brother, William Craven Bass of Banner Elk, NC. Jim was devoted to his family, community, and to his many friends. Growing up in Raleigh his first love was sports, baseball and football, excelling in both. The Raleigh Sports Club named him Wake County Football Player of the Year for both 1970 and 1971. He was also named as All State athlete playing football for both Broughton and Enloe HSs. Jim helped lead the Broughton football team to the 1970 state championship. He was dubbed Breakaway Bass for his game changing running abilities. He attended both USC (Columbia, SC) and graduated Appalachian State University (Boone, NC) with a Bachelor of Science degree. Jim and Vickie worked as a property management team for Mill Ridge Resort in Banner Elk for 34 years. Their desire to get to know people and make them feel cared for created a fun and unique community for property owners and weekend visitors. Jim also enjoyed golfing and fishing with his friends. A memorial service is planned for March 5, 2016 at the Mill Ridge Clubhouse in Banner Elk, NC from 2-4 pm. A memorial service for family and friends in the Raleigh area will be held at the reception hall of Emmanuel Baptist Church on Noble Rd from 3-5 pm on Sunday, March 6, 2016. Online condolences may be shared at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhme.com. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory, Boone, is serving the Bass family.