James Howard Basson

JAMES HOWARD BASSON

James Howard Basson passed away at his home in Columbus, MS on December 29, 2025. He was eighty-three years old. He was surrounded by his family at the time of his passing. Services will be held Sunday January 4, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Murrah’s Chapel Baptist Church with Bro. David Coleman officiating; burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held Sunday one hour prior to service at the church.James was born in Crawford, MS on November 12, 1942 to parents Robert Lee Basson and Slona Gertrude Upton Basson He was a butcher by trade. He also ran a deer processing business for many years. James married Jeanette Beasley on June 28, 1963. Their children are Angie Lyn Basson, Stephanie Dawn Basson(deceased), and Randy (Melanie) Basson. They also have one beautiful Granddaughter Savanah Lawson. James is survived by his brothers Charles, Chestly, and Westley Basson. As the baby of nine, James is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. One of his greatest legacies is that he leaves many young people who considered him a father figure and a mentor. He was preceded in death by his parents Robert Lee and Slona Gertrude Upton Basson, his brothers Robert and Stevie Basson, his sisters Emma Basson Johnson, Ozell Basson Shelton, and Loventres Basson Bailey, and his youngest daughter Stephanie Dawn Basson.

James accepted Jesus as his Savior early in his life, and followed Him as faithfully as he could. He was ordained as a Deacon while a member of Park Place Baptist Church in Cushing, OK. He also served as the Treasurer and held several other positions while there. He was also called to be a Deacon at Murrahs Chapel Baptist Church, and he was an active Deacon at the time of his passing. James wasn’t a man that sought to be the boss, but in his quiet steadiness, he ended up leading by example. He was loyal, reliable, and responsible. He lived his life the way the Bible tells us we should. He put Jesus first. Others second. And, himself last. He took his marriage vows seriously. He and Jeanette shared almost 63 years as husband and wife. His quiet strength and the solid home they created gave his family and friends security. Everyone who knew James knew he would be there; he would listen and give thoughtful advice, and he would help them in any way he could. He was a man of integrity. His word was a solid bond. He would be truthful in every situation even when it hurt your feelings. And, he would explain through his words and by his actions why being honest and responsible were the right ways to face challenges in life. This love, this reflection of Christ in his life, is what gave so many of his family and friends the strength they needed to face their own challenges. So, even though James and Jeanette only had three biological children, they have many, many more adopted children who proudly call them Daddy and Momma. May we all continue to live by the principles he taught us and do our part to teach those Godly principles to our own children.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Murrah's Chapel Baptist Church.