On November 19, 2025, the world lost the greatest storyteller Appalachia has ever known. James Leroy Bass passed peacefully at his beloved home at the age of 89. Jack, as he was affectionately known, was born on September 27, 1936 in Laing, WV. At 17, Jack joined the Navy and was able to see the world but ultimately chose to settle and raise a family with his beautiful wife, Loretta Bass (who preceded him in death) in Beckley, WV.

He raised six kids; James (Susie) Bass Jr., Robert (Jennifer) Bass, Dianna (Arnold Jr.) Perrine, Elizabeth (Greg) Howell, Thomas (Jody) Bass and Michael (Andrea) Bass and later went on to become Papaw Jack to 18 grandkids and 20 great-grandkids.

Like many in the area, he was a career-long coal miner. He earned the nickname "Dirty Jack" and was famous for his storytelling; like the one about loading the coal stove so full it almost caught the school house on fire, or how he was shot in the leg by an Indian (and had the scar to prove it), or how, at 13, he drove his brother Bill's Dodge all over the strip mine. You can ask anyone who knew him and they could each tell you a remarkable story that Jack had told them. Because as he said, "If someone asks you something, always tell them something. It won't make a difference what you say because they didn't know anything to start with." He had a great memory for details and a gift for words; he could enrapture a room with his tall tales.

Those who knew Jack will remember him for his friendliness towards everyone; he never met a stranger. He was loyal, friendly, and loved to sit and chat. He loved to sit on his back porch and visit. We will all cherish the memories made with friends and family visiting on the porch. We are blessed to have known him and will all keep tid-bits of his wisdom, even if most are not suitable for print. He was loved beyond measure and will be dearly missed.

A Graveside Service will be held at 11 am on Tuesday, November 25th at Sunset Memorial Park in Beckley, West Virginia. Those wishing to attend may meet in the Melton Mortuary parking lot to travel in procession to the cemetery by 10:30 AM.

Donations can be made in James' honor to:
Bowers Hospice House/Hospice of Southern WV
454 Cranberry Dr
Beckley, WV, 25801-8560

St. Jude's Children's Hospital
https://www.stjude.org/