IL HR1352

Illinois House of Representatives mourns the death of Reverend James Bass of Chicago, who passed away on November 27, 2018

Rev. Bass was born May 7, 1920 in Ruleville, Mississippi; called to ministry at age six and preached his first sermon in 1938 at Mt. Laton Baptist Church

Served three years in U.S. Army during World War II starting December 7, 1941, reaching rank of Corporal and serving as field chaplain in the South Pacific, India, and New Guinea

Attended Tugaloo College starting 1948 and Mississippi Seminary in 1951; served as pastor of Mt. Israel Baptist Church in Clarksdale, Mississippi before permanently relocating to Chicago in 1957 to lead Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church

Married Helyn Maxcine Julius in 1967 and had two children: son Vincent (born May 3, 1968) and daughter Vikkeda (born January 16, 1970); House extends condolences to his family and directs presentation of resolution to the family