James Ernest “Buddy” Bass died Friday, March 30, 2012, at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. He was 78.

Mr. Bass was born in Bogue Chitto, Miss. He was the son of the late Ernest Calhoun Bass and Cordie Mae Brister Bass. He retired from International Paper Co. with over 30 years of service.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Sue Good Bass.

He is survived by a daughter, Rebecca Pierce (Tim) of Forest, Va.; two sons, Robert Bass (Janet) of Brandon and Danny Bass (Cathy) of Lake Charles, La.; six grandchildren, Mindy Gilmore, Christopher Bass, Danielle Bass, Lauren Bass, Jared Pierce and Anna Pierce; and four great-grandchildren.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Riles Funeral Home with the Rev. Brian Ivey, pastor of Highland Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will be at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Natchez, at 1 p.m. Visitation will be tonight from 5 until 7 at Riles Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Jared Pierce, Christopher Bass, Tim Pierce, Charlie Marshall and Scott Gilmore.

Memorials may be made to Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children, The Division of Public Affairs, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State, Jackson, MS 39216.