Jerry Lee Bassett

The world feels changed — a bit dimmer — with the passing of Jerry Bassett. Jerry Bassett wore many badges with honor: beloved husband, fantastic Dad, amazing Poppa, attorney, a legislative scholar, a lifelong public servant and a three-time hole-in-one golfer.

His intellect was unparalleled. He seemed to carry more knowledge in his mind than most people do collectively. Ask anyone who knew him. For all of his brilliance, Jerry never measured people by what they knew. He measured them by their character. As a young man, while working in a restaurant, he became legendary adding up customer dining bills quicker in his head than they could using a calculator or register. It started as a challenge, and he won every single time. He was asked to join MENSA, and he turned them down. His presence, just in his energy and disposition alone, commanded respect. So much so that even as a child, his parents called him "Mr. B."

Born in Peoria, IL, Mr. B. grew up in many cities, but spent high school in Madison, WI and chose the University of Wisconsin - Madison for his undergraduate degree in Political Science. Jerry met Andrea Jacobsen playing bridge with another couple, marrying on Christmas Day, 1963. Jerry was accepted into Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California and upon graduation went to work for the State of California Legislative Council Bureau. Going to work for the Legislative Council Bureau fulfilled a dream he'd had ever since watching the television show Slattery's People.

Jerry and Andy went on to have two kids, Christian Jerry and Anna Holly. Mr. B. devoted himself to his family and rarely missed an opportunity to show it, whether through endless basketball games of HORSE with Chris in the driveway or by reading every single thing Anna ever wrote. One stern look from Mr. B. and people everywhere corrected their behavior, whereas praise would fill buckets with confidence and pride. Anyone who knew Jerry knew that honesty wasn't negotiable, and he was the absolute role model of honesty. Mr. B. started teaching himself how to golf at 12 years old. Over the years he became an amazing golfer earning three holes-in-one, including one at Spyglass Hill Golf Course in Pebble Beach, California.

Jerry Bassett was a highly decorated legislative attorney. He retired from the State of California after more than two decades as a legislative staff member. Interviewed in 2017, one of his top five most positive moments of his life, he said “Being honored by the California Legislature when I retired.” Another of his top five moments was "Getting employed in Alabama." Jerry served as Director of Alabama’s Legislative Reference Service from 1991 until 2015 – the longest tenure in Alabama history. He later continued as Senior Counsel to the Legislative Services Agency.

In 2023, Jerry was presented the Carter/Hellard Legislative Staff Award – which is given to a staff member who has demonstrated excellence and dedication in service to state legislators in the South. It is selected by the Legislative Service Agency Directors Group.

In 2026, the Council of State Governments awarded him the Distinguished Service to the States Award, described as the organization’s highest honor and one that is rarely bestowed upon legislative staff members. The Alabama House formally commended him for: his decades of service to state legislatures; his leadership on the Suggested State Legislation Committee; his work with the Uniform Law Commission; his national reputation for legislative drafting and institutional knowledge. One particularly telling description noted Jerry was respected nationwide for his intellect, knowledge, and meticulous leadership in reviewing and drafting legislation.

After losing Andy suddenly in 2005, Jerry struck gold again when he met Linda Gugliotta, who became Linda Gugliotta Bassett in 2009. Linda, infamously known as “Ginga”, is the glue that seamlessly gelled two families together, adding her daughter Michelle into our blended family.

In May 2010, Andrea Bailey (Andi) was born, turning Mr. B. into “Poppa!” Poppa was the one badge of honor he seemed most proud of. In that same 2017 interview, Jerry named Andi's birth as one of the most positive moments of his life. If there was one person who could instantly light up his world, it was Andi. When asked “what makes you happy?” He replied, “having Andi around” to which drew a hug from Andi (at 7 years old), and he continued, “And getting big hugs from Andi!”

Jerry Bassett left marks both on public institutions and on the people who love him. That’s a rare legacy. His influence can be found not only in the laws he helped shape, but in the countless people he mentored, encouraged, and loved. That is a life well lived. One with vast impact.

Reading all of this, Mr. B.'s trademark sarcastic wit would likely respond with a simple, "Whatever," accompanied by a wry smile. Mr. B. was a gem of a man, a beloved family man, a cherished Poppa, and celebrated legislative attorney – with his lifelong public service. He was also a cherished friend of many. He was generous, good, kind, and unlike anyone else in the best possible way.

The world is better because Jerry Bassett was in it. Lastly, when asked, “what are you most thankful for?” he replied, “Having a family that I’m proud of.” All of us are incredibly proud of you and we will spend the rest of our lives missing you.

Jerry wished to buy his friends one last drink, therefore A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2026 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Arrowhead Country Club, 50 Ocala Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117, in the Ballroom.

Jerry Bassett is survived by the people he loved most: his wife of 17 years, Linda Gugliotta Bassett; his son, Chris Bassett; his daughter, Anna (Bassett) Miller; his step-daughter, Michelle Milner Leadingham, and her husband, Art; and the light of his life, his granddaughter, Andrea “Andi” Miller. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jerry and Arlyne Bassett; his sister, Lynn (Bassett) D’Arcy; his brother, Robin Bassett; and his first wife, Andrea Bassett — all of whom he now joins in peace.