James Alain BassetAugust 23, 1958 - June 22, 2012
It is with deeply broken hearts that the family of James "Jim" Alain Basset of Peterson, SK, announces his tragic and accidental death on Friday, June 22, 2012, in the Colonsay district. He was 54 years of age. Jim was born on August 23, 1958, to Joseph and Verla (nee Wilke) Basset at Saskatoon, SK. He was raised on the family farm near Peterson. After completing Grade 7 at Peterson School, Jim continued his education at Bruno High School. Upon graduating, he worked for the Canadian Pacific Railroad for a year and then at the Colonsay Potash Mine for a while. Following that, he began farming full-time, a passion he had since the age of ten, when he helped on the family farm. On December 10, 1977, Jim married Linda Knihnitski at Peterson. Since then, they resided on their farm south of Peterson. Jim and Linda were blessed with six children, two sons and four daughters. Jim enjoyed a better life in his 54 years than many do in 90. An avid sports fan, he was actively involved in fastball as a pitcher and then catcher, played broomball, and both senior and recreational hockey. As well, Jim loved horseback riding, especially on Risky, who has since died; perhaps Jim and Risky will be riding together again. He also loved music and played the harmonica. Mainly, Jim enjoyed going for Sunday drives with Linda to check the crops, and driving his "Ranger" around checking on his cows and his land which were, to him, his heaven on earth. His grandkids, whom he dearly loved, were often with him on those excursions. Although Jim was most comfortable staying close to home, he did go on a three-week holiday to Nashville with Linda this past winter. He leaves to cherish, many fond memories. Through them, his spirit will continue to soar. James will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his wife of 34 years, Linda (nee Knihnitski) Basset of Peterson, SK; their six children, and eight grandchildren (and soon to be 10): Bradley (Jody) Basset, Shelby, Carter and Trae of Peterson; Christie (Bryan) Beggs, Ethyn, Jackson and Hope of Colonsay, SK; Lisa (Blaine) Weiman, Logan and Deakyn of Bruno, SK; Carla (Yves) Beaulac of Prince Albert, SK; Joseph Basset (Paige Fraser) of Saskatoon, SK; and BreeAnne Basset of Peterson (Jim's little farm girl); special nephew and right-hand-man, Jesse Bentley of Viscount, SK; his father, Joseph "Joe" Basset of Humboldt; two brothers and four sisters: Ronald (Karon) Basset of Battleford, SK; Verla (Blaine) Bentley of Viscount; Jocelyn (Gary) Knihnitski of Saskatoon, SK; Mark (Connie) Basset of Peterson; Carol (Bruce) Thiemann of Humboldt; and Laura (Grant) Stahl of Regina, SK; sister-in-law, Rhonda Basset of Saskatoon; mother-in-law, Clara Knihnitski of Saskatoon; and by numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and in-laws of the Knihnitski family. He was predeceased by his mother, Verla (nee Wilke) Basset; two brothers: Joseph Basset (in infancy) and Paul Basset; and by his father-in-law, Fred Knihnitski. The Prayer Service for Jim was held at St. Agnes R.C. Church, Peterson, on Tuesday, June 26, 2012, at 7:30 p.m., officiated by Fr. Joseph Ackerman, OSB. Scripture readers were Michelle Knihnitski and Blake Thiemann, and the eulogy was delivered by Brad Basset and Carla Beaulac. The Funeral Mass was offered at St. Agnes R.C. Church on Wednesday, June 27, 2012, at 10:00 a.m., celebrated by Fr. Joseph Ackerman, OSB. Others taking part were: Jesse Bentley, crossbearer; Vonia Nimchuk and Kennedy White, altar servers; Cara Bentley and Troy Knihnitski, scripture readers; Kassandra Stahl, intentions; Joe Basset and BreeAnne Basset, giftbearers; Maurice and Jean Dauvin, memorial table attendants; Dion Niebrugge, Jamie White, and the St. Agnes Parish Choir, music ministry. An honor guard was formed by the Bruno Jr. Axemen. Honorary senior pallbearers were "Jim's kids", and honorary junior pallbearers were "Jim's grandkids". Active pallbearers were Adam Basset, Shane Knihnitski, Jody Materi, Alex Basset, Curtis Knihnitski, Cameron Bentley, Cory Knihnitski and Russell Basset. Interment followed at St. Agnes R.C. Cemetery, Peterson. Memorial donations may be directed to the St. Agnes Parish Fund. Condolences to the family may be emailed to bbasset@sasktel.net. Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, SK