AMHERST, Ma. — James Ross Bias Sr. died July 4, 2017. He was 79.

Born October 13, 1937, in Amherst, Ma., he was a son of Eugenia and Robert Bosworth.

Baptized March 31, 1962 as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, along with his wife he associated with three congregations in Massachusetts. He served as an elder for nearly 45 years. At the present time, he was associated with the Amherst (Ma.) Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

He found great joy in glorifying the word of Jehovah, our Creator, by teaching the “Good News” of the now established heavenly kingdom to “those rightly disposed to everlasting life” (Acts 13:48; Matthew 24:14), and learning about all of God’s wonderful creations.

Raised in Amherst, Ma., he attended Amherst High School and Springfield College. “Corky ” as he was affectionately known, was an exceptional athlete receiving football, baseball, and basketball accolades throughout his high school years.

An avid outdoorsman he enjoyed teaching young people at the Amherst Boys Club. A skilled and patient craftsman, he enjoyed using his talents to help others. Prevented from pursuing a career in aviation due to eyesight limitations, he became a detailed builder of scale R/C model airplanes. He choose carpentry as his occupation eventually retiring as a master finish carpenter from the Amherst College staff.

Mr. Bias married Myra Frances Corey of Amherst on December 21, 1957, and together they raised a family of five. His family remembers him for his love, wisdom, patience, kindness, and quiet humor.

In addition to his wife Myra, he is survived by his children James Jr. , Liana, Michael, Todd, Joel; siblings, Ellen, Ann, Timothy, Barry, Janet, Allison, Janice; grandchild, Brittani, three great-grandchildren and other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his brother Robby.

Services: Memorial service at 7p.m. Saturday, July 15, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 511 Northampton Street, Holyoke, MA 01040.