James Bass ... worked on Space Shuttle projects; at 84

ROCHESTER - James Tracy “Jim” Bass, 84, born in Gallatin, Tennessee, passed away October 29, 2026, in Rochester, New Hampshire.

Jim was a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend whose love was like feeling the warmth of the sunshine on your skin. He had an extraordinary gift for seeing not just the good in people, but their possibilities, always encouraging them forward and lifting them up. His circle of love was ever-expanding, and he always had a smile, laugh, dollar, hug, and beer to spare.

A proud combat veteran, Jim enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1961, served multiple tours during the Vietnam War, and retired honorably in 1981. His subsequent civilian career with the Department of Defense included work on the Space Shuttle and Titan rocket programs, underground communication systems, overseas assignments working with fighter aircraft and military tanks, and retirement from federal service as a GS-14. He proudly claimed never to have had a job he didn't love.

A master mechanic with an artist's eye, Jim could fix anything and make it beautiful, although his children frequently questioned his creative shortcuts and disregard for safety switches and electrical grounding wires. He had a lifelong penchant for mischief and making questionable personal decisions, but he delighted in telling the stories of said adventures, including his four school expulsions and whatever he was getting up to in “River City”!

Jim was predeceased by Geraldine Sandra (Hagerer) Bass, his wife of 48 years. He leaves his children, Sheryl Bass (Paula) and Ret. Colonel James Earl “Jeb” Bass (Tara); grandchildren Shannon Johnston (Joe), Connor Goff, Hannah Bass, Ava Bass, and James Elijah “Jeb” Bass; great-grandson Gordon Johnston; brother William Bass; and nephews Billy Bass (Dana) and Ronnie Bass (Desmaray) and their children.

Nothing brought more delight to Jim Bass than his dog Barley, the immeasurable joy that his grandson Jeb brought to his life, the New England Patriots, and to see his children and grandchildren live happy, fulfilled lives surrounded by the light of his love. Fittingly, among Jim's final words were, “That's all, folks!” which was truly classic Jim Bass!

We will honor him by living the lives he always dreamed for us, holding each other close, and carrying forward the extraordinary love he gave to each of us.