B.A.S.S. has big fan in Santa

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James Bethurem, aka Santa Jim, has been a regular at the Bassmaster Classic since 2013.
James Bethurem, aka Santa Jim, has been a regular at the Bassmaster Classic since 2013.
When not behind the reindeer, Bethurem rolls in a Toyota Tacoma, red of course.
When not behind the reindeer, Bethurem rolls in a Toyota Tacoma, red of course.
Since becoming one of Old St. Nick’s helpers, Santa Jim has filled a room in his Brighton, Mo., home with Christmas items.
Since becoming one of Old St. Nick’s helpers, Santa Jim has filled a room in his Brighton, Mo., home with Christmas items.
Bethurem has been at the past six Classics, and he’s been Santa since 2015 when he first noticed his beard was coming in all white.
Bethurem has been at the past six Classics, and he’s been Santa since 2015 when he first noticed his beard was coming in all white.
An angler most all of his 62 years, Bethurem has an 18-inch crappie to his credit as well as a personal best 8-pound, 15-ounce rainbow trout.
An angler most all of his 62 years, Bethurem has an 18-inch crappie to his credit as well as a personal best 8-pound, 15-ounce rainbow trout.
He’s gone all in, buying a number of suits as well as attending classes to teach him more tricks of the trade.
He’s gone all in, buying a number of suits as well as attending classes to teach him more tricks of the trade.
An upside-down tree in the living room proves the mischievous elves have been at work.
An upside-down tree in the living room proves the mischievous elves have been at work.
Anybody who passes Bethurem’s truck knows how to find him.
Anybody who passes Bethurem’s truck knows how to find him.
Before his Santa gig, Bethurem, his son, Jake, and daughter-in-law, April, visit with Forrest Wood.
Before his Santa gig, Bethurem, his son, Jake, and daughter-in-law, April, visit with Forrest Wood.
James and Jake just happened upon the boat of Mark Zona, who Bethurem would love to fish with.
James and Jake just happened upon the boat of Mark Zona, who Bethurem would love to fish with.
There’s plenty of streams, ponds and some nice lakes close enough to Bethurem's home in Brighton, Mo., to fish.
There’s plenty of streams, ponds and some nice lakes close enough to Bethurem’s home in Brighton, Mo., to fish.
Of course, there’s a mad rush in the final two months of the year. He enjoys having a full calendar, and actually said he'll miss it when the season ends. Ah, but then there's fishing season to look forward to.
Of course, there’s a mad rush in the final two months of the year. He enjoys having a full calendar, and actually said he’ll miss it when the season ends. Ah, but then there’s fishing season to look forward to.
Promotional work, like photo shoots, extends his work well beyond the Christmas season.
Promotional work, like photo shoots, extends his work well beyond the Christmas season.
Sometimes Santa works with helpers.
Sometimes Santa works with helpers.
But interacting one-on-one with children is Old St. Nick’s main gig.
But interacting one-on-one with children is Old St. Nick’s main gig.
Yet Father Christmas seems to hold power over children of all ages.
Yet Father Christmas seems to hold power over children of all ages.
During his offseason, Santa likes to warm up in the sun but have a cool drink with a little umbrella handy.
During his offseason, Santa likes to warm up in the sun but have a cool drink with a little umbrella handy.
A new sleigh is on the way. Gotta have the right ride.
A new sleigh is on the way. Gotta have the right ride.
Now to get the reindeer in order. This one gets its first lesson on how to fly.
Now to get the reindeer in order. This one gets its first lesson on how to fly.
The elves have done their work, and Santa has everything ready to go for Christmas.
The elves have done their work, and Santa has everything ready to go for Christmas.
Bethurem (back right) visits with a group of Ozark Santas.
Bethurem (back right) visits with a group of Ozark Santas.
This setup and photo work are picture perfect. See you at the Classic.
This setup and photo work are picture perfect. See you at the Classic.