James E. Bass, age 95 of Malvern, died early Tuesday morning, September 21, 2021 at National Park Medical Center in Hot Springs.  He was born on August 27, 1926 in Malvern to the late Robert Bass and Myrtle Elizabeth Hendrix Bass.  Reared and receiving his early education in Malvern, he later attended South Central Bible College.  Mr. Bass was a veteran of the United States Navy, where he was an airplane mechanic.  He was a butcher for many years for Piggly Wiggly grocery stores, and travelled the state helping to open and set up new stores.  He loved woodworking, going fishing with friends, and playing the harmonica.  Mr. Bass was a member of First Assembly of God Church. He was the widower of the late Vera Faye Cox Bass, to whom he was married on August 5, 1949 in Hot Springs.  She preceded him in death on October 25, 2018, after 69 years of marriage.

He is survived by his children, Carl Bass and Connie Rapp (Peter) of Malvern, and Charlotte Bell (Bryon) of Carthage, Missouri; a sister, Mary Hall of Malvern; five grandchildren, Sheri Ornelas, Lori Crumpton, Brianna Turner, Travis Rapp, and Emily Rapp; 10 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Mr. Bass was also preceded in death by siblings Wanda Mays, Roy Bass, and Bob Bass.

A visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m. Friday, September 24, 2021 at J. A. Funk Funeral Home.

Graveside service will be at ten o'clock Saturday morning, September 25, 2021 at Lone Hill Cemetery in Oak Grove with Brother Jimmy Bobo officiating.