James Buford Bass, 66, of Edwardsville, Illinois, born August 25, 1954 in Richmond Heights, Missouri, died Saturday, January 2, 2021 in Belleville, Illinois.

James was the retired owner/operator of Trader Moon's Pawn Shop in Wood River, IL. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and served at the end of the Vietnam War.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Buford and Beatrice, nee Rodriguez, Bass.

Surviving are his daughter, Nichole (Chad Connor) Odem of Belleville, IL; two granddaughters, Sarah Boecklen and Kaylah Odem; his siblings, Bonnie Howerton of Columbia, IL, Robin Waddington of Columbia, IL, Patrick (Karan) Bass of Corona del Mar, CA; and John (Holly) Bass of Millstadt, IL; nieces and nephews, Michael (Michelle) Kunzelman, Kyle (Alicia Breer) Waddington , Breanna (Canaan) Rehbein (and their son Tucker), Dylan (Caroline Atkins) Bass, Garrett Bass, Damian Rivera; and his long time friends, Michael Layne and Kevin Shaw. He was also a dear nephew, cousin, and friend.

Condolences may be expressed online at braunfh.com.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Friends may visit from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 10, 2021 at Braun Family Funeral Home, Columbia, Illinois. Funeral procession to leave at 9:30 a.m. Monday, January 11, 2021, from the funeral home to Holy Family Catholic Church, Cahokia, Illinois, with Father Osang Idagbo, C.M. officiating. Burial will be in Holy Family/St. Joseph Cemetery, Dupo, Illinois