Jim "The Boz" Bassler

Jim “The Boz” Bassler

July 27, 1948 ~ May 10, 2023

     Jim “The Boz” Bassler, 74, of Martinsburg, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Wednesday morning, May 10, 2023 at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, Johnstown.

     He was born in Roaring Spring, son of the late, James Weldon “Brub” and Mary Irene (Brumbaugh) Bassler.  On August 21, 1971 he married Mildred “Mid” Elaine Horn at Clover Creek Church of the Brethren, rural Martinsburg.

     Surviving are his beloved wife, Mid of 51 years; two sons: Dusty Bassler (Kelly) of Martinsburg and Derek Bassler (Bree McCahan and her sons, Kacen and Trace) of Roaring Spring; two grandsons: Austin and Andy Bassler; and a sister-in-law, Jolene Bassler of Curryville.

     He was preceded in death by two brothers: Don and Jerre Bassler.

     Jim was a 1966 graduate of Central High School, Martinsburg, where he was a member of the band and chorus and in 1967 graduated from the Cambria Barber School.  He worked as a barber for the past 56 years and was the owner of Bassler’s Barber Shop in rural Martinsburg for over 40 years.  Jim was also employed at Conrail, where he worked as a forklift operator at the Sam Rea Shop and as a tractor trailer driver at the Juniata Shops.  He later retired as a laborer from PennDot, with 20 years of service.

     He was a lifelong member of Clover Creek Church of the Brethren, where he faithfully served as a youth advisor, children’s Sunday school teacher, Camp Blue Diamond representative, pianist, board member, life-term deacon, sang in the church choir and also volunteered for John’s Way Medical Equipment Ministry.  He was a member of the Martinsburg, Henrietta and Shenecoy Sportsman’s Clubs and a proud lifetime member of the NRA.

     Jim loved spending time with family, vacationing with his wife, Mid, playing sequence with friends and watching his grandsons ball games.  He coached both of his sons' youth baseball teams for many years and was a longtime sponsor of Spring Cove Youth Baseball.    

     He was an avid outdoorsman, who harvested numerous trophy bucks and three black bears, two of which he actually had a tag for.  His favorite hunting spot was at his in-laws Meadow Dale Farm in Bedford County.  Jim also loved fishing and always looked forward to his annual fishing trip to Canada with his buddies.

     Jim spent many mornings with his friends at the BCO University, the Friday morning breakfast gang at Traditions and more recently with the boys out at Base Camp Guns.

     Friends will be received from 2-5pm, Sunday, May 14, 2023 at Clover Creek Church of the Brethren, rural Martinsburg and from 10 until 11am, Monday, May 15, 2023, at the church, where a celebration of life service will begin at 11am, Pastor Barbara Hammond and Pastor Duane Crumrine officiating. 

     Memorial contributions in memory of Jim may be given to Sitting Bulls Sled Hockey Team, 126 Western Ave., Johnstown, PA 15904.