James Raymond Bassett

 James Raymond (Jim) Bassett, 84, of Casper, WY took a leisurely evening ride on his motorcycle June 24, 2024 with no destination in mind. When he met a deer, it turned out to be his golden road home and he arrived, early in the morning of the 25th, at the feet of Jesus.

 A celebration of Jim's life will be held Sunday, June 30th, 4pm at Casper First Church of the Nazarene, 2020 S. Jefferson.

 Jim was born May 5, 1940 in Torrington, WY to Hal and Lorraine (Walker) Bassett. He was born between his older sister Halene (Dinnel) and younger sister Sherrill (Wagner). He graduated from Torrington High School in 1958 and married Elizabeth "Betty" Peters in November of 1959. They welcomed their first daughter in 1960 and she was followed closely by their first son in 1961, a son in 1963, another son in 1964, and again a son in 1969. Finally, in 1976, Jim got his wish to have a second daughter. He was very proud of all of his children and supported them mightily in all of their endeavors.

 Jim opened Mountain Surveying in 1976. Running his own land surveying business ended up being a passion and a dream come true. He became a life long surveyor, doing his continuing education and keeping his license clear up to his death. Jim loved motorcycles. So much so that the number he owned throughout his life is unknown by his family. Daily rides in good weather were a part of life, even in winter. Jim loved tractors and was an avid collector of both life size and toys. Another part of his many eclectic collections were a number of firearms both antique and new. Jim was well loved and respected by the community and his church family. Throughout his years in church he was a board member and teen leader. He took the teens on many outdoor adventures from long bike rides and river floats to backpack trips to remote and beautiful places. He will be truly missed everyday.

 Jim is survived by his six children, Sonya (Tracy) Wolff of Casper, Perry (Sharon) Bassett of Colorado Springs, Michael Bassett of Evansville, Kendall (Brigat) Bassett of Evansville, Cary (Jodie) Bassett of Blue Springs, MO, and Tiffany (Terry) Clabaugh of Casper, his older sister Halene Dinnel of Casper, his younger sister Sherrill (Bill) Wagner of Gilbert, AZ, 8 grandchildren, 7 step-grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, 18 step-great grand children, many nieces and nephews, and numerous "adopted" grandchildren in his church family, some who called him "Papa Jim". He is preceded in death by his parents Hal and Lorraine and his wife of nearly 62 years, Betty.

 Memorial donations may be made to First Church of the Nazarene (memo line, teen department) 2020 S. Jefferson, Casper, WY 82601. The family wishes to sincerely thank the members of the church for their many years of friendship and support.