Welcome to Bass Bunch

The Bass Family 

The Bass family's love affair with automobiles began almost 60 years ago. James M. Bass returned from World War II to a re-energized America. The auto industry was riding the crest. After years of dormancy, because of the war, the industry geared into production. "The auto industry was the most dynamic in the United States, probably in the world." said the late Mr. James M Bass. "The industry was progressing, building and expanding."

He fondly recalled the new vehicles rolling out of the factory, the long waiting list of customers and a market long on demand, short on supply and almost no competition.

Mr. Bass started as a trainee roadman--a traveling liaison between manufacturer and dealers--with Ford Motor Co. in 1947. He worked his way up in the district office in Dallas and was with the company for 15 years. In 1960 Mr. Bass moved to San Angelo and entered into a partnership with his friend and existing Ford dealer Lee Jarmon. The Bass-Jarmon Ford dealership was located downtown, at Twohig and Randolph Streets. In its first month the dealership sold 30 cars and seven trucks.

Mr. Bass later bought his partner out and renamed the business Jim Bass Ford, Inc. In the mid 1960's, he relocated the dealership to 2901 Sherwood Way. In April 2002, Jim Bass added Nissan and Lincoln to his vehicle offerings.

Mr. Bass' son, John Bass, started in the business at about 10 years of age. "My first job here was to use a rubber stamp to stamp our name in the brochures," recalled John, who is now general manager of the company. He grew up in the parts department doing all kinds of jobs--from dusting out bins to shipping and receiving parts. John started working full-time in fleet sales in 1979 and continued growing with the company.

James M. Bass III--grandson of Mr. Bass and nephew to John--joined the company in 1996. Jimmy initially managed the company's computer and telephone systems. After working in the parts and service departments, he became manager of the pre-owned vehicle lot on Sherwood Way. Now he oversees the Nissan dealership and is the executive manager of Jim Bass Nissan.

The family business has evolved over the years. In addition to Ford, Lincoln and Nissan vehicles, Jim Bass also represents Mazda.. The company employs 130 people and average sales range between 250 and 300 vehicles per month.

Besides running the business, the Bass family is also very involved in the San Angelo community. Family members and the company employees support the United Way, West Texas Rehab, Future Farmers of America, San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo, San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo Premium Sale, Meals for the Elderly, San Angelo Civic Ballet, San Angelo Symphony and various other organizations.

The Basses champion many causes and organizations in the Concho Valley, and support many schools with a 24 county area.