James William Basden, D.D.S.

James William (Bill) Basden went home to glory on October 8, 2022, passing away due to complications from an autoimmune disease. On June 1, Bill miraculously survived a cardiac arrest, giving family and friends another four months to spend with him. He died peacefully surrounded by his family who had admired and loved him so much.

Bill was born in Temple, Texas, on October 25, 1950, to James Edward and Evelyn Jeter Basden. In 1972, Bill married Betsy and they had a happy, glorious life together, enjoying traveling, gardening, and all things Baylor. Bill also dearly loved his three children and their spouses: Brent Edward Basden and Erin, Brooke Elizabeth Longoria and Martin, and Donna Rebecca (Becky) Sharp and Troy. Seven grandchildren adored their granddad: Katie and Maggie; Rosalie and Gus; and James, Turner, and Frankie Brooke. Bill is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Jeter and Claudette Basden, his beloved cousin and her husband, Gwen and Rick Pebworth, and a loving extended family.

Bill graduated from Grand Prairie High School in 1969 and then attended Baylor University. He and Betsy met at Baylor orientation and were together for over 50 years. During college, Bill was an active member of Baylor Chamber of Commerce and Air Force ROTC. His senior year, Bill was a Bear Trainer, traveling with the live bear mascots to football games around the Southwest Conference.

After graduating from Baylor, Bill attended Baylor College of Dentistry, graduating in 1977. He then joined the United States Air Force and served his country for 30 years as an Air Force dentist and clinic commander. During his distinguished career, Bill and his family were stationed in Louisiana, Nebraska, Texas, Sicily, Florida, Arizona, and Virginia. Bill especially enjoyed traveling internationally during his two years as a member of the Inspector General team. Following his military retirement, Bill returned to working for the Air Force as a consultant for ten years.

In his Air Force career, Bill was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal with six oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with four oak leaf clusters, Air Force Organizational Excellence one oak leaf cluster, National Defense Service Medal with one service star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and Humanitarian Service Medal.

Bill was admired by all who knew him, both personally and professionally. He was a believer who loved his Lord and looked forward to spending eternity before the Throne. Bill was a faithful church member and served as a deacon. His last years were as a member of Austin Baptist Church. Music was always important to Bill, who performed in high school musicals and was a member of several church choirs and the Twin Mountain Tonesmen in San Angelo.

Bill also enjoyed playing sports his entire life. In high school, he was the Grand Prairie city tennis champion. After college, he played second base in church softball, pitched for several winning clinic softball teams, and played many years of golf, before returning to tennis in later years.Bill was a brilliant, gentle, kind, thoughtful, and sensitive man whom many people admired for his eternal optimism and his faith. We will always miss you, Bill.

A Memorial Service will be held on October 27, 2 pm, at Austin Baptist Church, 7016 Ribelin Ranch Drive, Austin, Texas 78750. Military Honors will be at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery, October 28, 2:30pm, San Antonio, Texas. Memorials may be sent to Austin Baptist Church.