James F. Bassford Sr.'s Obituary
James Franklin Bassford Sr., 92, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at his home in Arnold, while surrounded by family. James was born on December 1, 1932 in Eastport, MD to James P. and Lucy (Jones) Bassford.
James grew up in Eastport, MD and attended Annapolis High School before joining the Army in 1950. He was a member of the 1st Infantry Division (The Big Red One) and served as part of the occupation forces in Germany following World War II and during the Korean War. Following his service he returned home to Annapolis, MD and then spent some time traveling and living in different states including California, Ohio, and New York. He eventually settled in Arnold, MD where he would remain for the rest of his life.
James married Carol (Owens) Lewis in 1974 and they would celebrate 50 years of marriage together before her death in December of 2024. Together they enjoyed camping, hosting get togethers and spending time with their grandchildren that lived nearby, Alyssa, Nicholas, and Justin. James also enjoyed playing pool, walking the mall and local parks, listening to classic country music, and he had a keen interest in classic cars. He was often known to break out his Elvis impersonation, complete with costume and blue suede shoes, to make people smile and laugh. He had many stories to tell about his life and travels and he enjoyed sharing them with his family and friends.
James worked for St. John's College in Annapolis, first as police security, and then as Chief Engineer before his retirement.
In addition to his parents James P. and Lucy Bassford, and his wife Carol Bassford, he was also preceded in death by his first wife Emma Ciancio; two sons, John Bassford and Michael Bassford; sisters Lola Virginia Jenkins, Dorothy Broiles, Betty Magill, Nancy Shores, Edna Tucker, Shirley Bassford, and Kitty Hughes; brothers James P. Bassford Jr, Robert L. Bassford, Ohmer Bassford, and Bishop William Donald Bassford.
James is survived by his son James (Patricia) Bassford Jr., daughters Rebecca Crane, Shirley (Robert) Newfrock, Barbara (Walter) Wood, step-son Charles (Sheila) Lewis, step-daughter Theresa Dillenbeck, brother Robert (Mable) Bassford, daughter-in-law Monica Bassford, 17 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and good friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at: https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html or The American Stroke Association at: https://www.stroke.org/en/
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?
