J.P. "Jasper" Bass

J.P. "Jasper" Bass Jr., 89, of Bryant passed away Friday, Aug. 10, 2018. He was born Oct. 7, 1928 in Pine Bluff, Ark. where he was educated and raised by his parents John "Preston" Bass Sr. and Ola Mae Millhollen Bass who predeceased him. He was a 1946 graduate of Pine Bluff High school where he earned a football scholarship to Arkansas A & M College (now University of Arkansas at Monticello). After sailing abroad as a crewman in the United States Merchant Marines he went on to become a UAM standout and played alongside his long-time friend and legendary coach the late Red Parker. He was chosen as the All-AIC Captain of the 1953 Boll Weevils and led them to their first ever conference Championship playing true iron-man football every game. He most notably stepped up during the game as a lineman to kick an at the time record setting field goal to beat Delta State in the closing seconds propelling the Boll Weevils to the Championship game. Honoring the 1953 team's conference Championship victory, the then-governor Francis Cherry directed the 1954 Arkansas license plate to be green and white for the only time in state history. In 2003 he was recognized at halftime of the UAM homecoming game marking the 50th Anniversary of that team's milestone achievement in school history. In 1957 he met and went on to marry his wife Betty and together raised two children. He went to work for the Cotton Belt Railroad in 1965 where he was an engineer. While working for the Cotton Belt he also opened the Muffler King muffler shop which he owned for over 40 years until closing for retirement. He and Betty also owned and operated Banks Jewelry Store which was a downtown Pine Bluff landmark business for many years. Though encased by a solid and powerful exterior, he carried a very soft and special place in his heart for kids. He coached Little Pig football for many years at the Seabrook Youth Center (Boys Club) impacting the lives and opening his home to hundreds of boys. He and Betty opened their home to a number of foster children for several years. He was a lifelong contributor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Pine Bluff and recently renewed his faith in God. He is survived by his devoted wife Betty of Bryant, daughter Lisa of Bryant, son Preston of Little Rock and four grandchildren Beth, Thomas, Presleigh and John Preston whom he lived daily for. There is no specified time for visitation but viewing will be arranged by Fuller Hale South Funeral Home in Pine Bluff. Graveside services will be open to all at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2018 at Memorial Park Cemetery in Pine Bluff. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The Bass family owes an immeasurable amount of heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Omar Atiq and staff of the Arkansas Cancer Institute in Pine Bluff, Arkansas Hospice in-home staff and the ladies at the Arkansas Hospice Ottenheimer In-Patient Center for whom each lengthened and gave quality to his life. Online condolences: www.fullerfunerals.com.