James Albert Bass Jr.

James Albert Bass Jr passed away on September 5, 2025 in his home. He was born March 12, 1933 in Black Creek NC to Mary Hazel (Jeter) Bass and James Albert Bass. Raised in Wilson, he came to Raleigh in 1951 to study engineering at State College. He was a member of Phi Kappa Tau fraternity. He served in the US Air Force for two years and as he described it, the best outcome from his time in the service was meeting the love of his life, Sondra Golden. They were married for 62 years until her death in 2019. After graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from North Carolina State University, Al and Sandy moved several times before settling back in Raleigh. He and two other young engineers joined together and formed Bass, Nixon & Kennedy, Inc Consulting Engineers in 1969. They enjoyed years of success as a result of growth across the state of NC.

Al was honored as a Fellow of the Professional Engineers of NC. He served on the NC Board of Registration for Engineers and Land Surveyors, the NC Building Code Council, was a past master of Raleigh Lodge 500, and served on the vestry of Church of the Good Shepherd. He mentored several young engineers over his career, and even into his retirement.

A self-described train buff, he was a founding member of the National Railway Historical Society, East Carolina Chapter (now known as New Hope Valley Railway). Another interest, which he called a fascinating waste of time, was genealogy. Pre-internet, he authored The Bass Family of Black Creek NC, which can be found in several libraries in Eastern NC. As a result of his research, he became a member of First Families of NC and Order of Descendants Ancient Planters in VA.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters Susan Bass (Jeanne), Lee Ann Shearon (Patrick), and granddaughters Audrey, Rachel and Natalie. He was predeceased by his son, Benji and wife, Sandy. The family wishes to express deep gratitude to his special caregiver Gloria Roberts and all the loving ladies who were so attentive to him in his final years.

Al was laid to rest at Raleigh Memorial Park on September 10, 2025. Following the graveside, a memorial service to honor his life was held, at The Church of the Good Shepherd,125 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27603. Following the service, the family received friends at his home.

Flowers or memorial donations may be made to The Church of the Good Shepherd, Raleigh, NC

Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, is serving the Bass family.