Echoing the good stuff above here really: I've found that getting it in un-effected, clean, flat and "non-destructively" in 24-bit, works best. I don't bother with amp models at all, just DI'd.
  Once it's in Sonar I generally squish out any bumps minimally with the most bogstandard of compression/EQ, adding a touch of small room reverb.
  The JB with tapewounds: my guess is that you like the vintage thump and relatively short sustain that would be "signature"...?..., so anything like adding a harmonic exciter or EQ top-end tweaks after would be superfluous.
 For me, a Fender's quirks of often having both its own resonant and dead frequencies(!), would need more of an compression/EQ tweak. I set my Status 5-string "flat" EQ-wise on input, and use half-wounds to get that mid-ground between thump and twang...but I do use very light gauge with a low action: that way, I can include fret-noise and clicky bits to add that pseudo-"acoustic" flavour to my more jazzy stuff.
   DI: my trusty old Sansamp Bass Driver..or just the default "DI" setting on my PodXT desktop(bass amp expansion pack added); I never once DI from a real live amp. I stress I'm just a "bass as 2nd instrument" chap, so ignore anything I say that doesn't work!

I agree with the compressor going, light use. However, in my experience, I find best results going through a head with a tube pre-amp, which can help tame some peaks and bring out some warmth. You might double-track a DI and tube pre, which is sometimes what I do. Then, the only thing else I'd work on is merely playing consistently. It all depends on your project, but let's assume a rock song. In that example I would try to play as consistently as possible. The compressor will be your friend, but don't over-use it! Do that in mixing.

Thank you all for your responses.  I find that I am a little over my head.  Can anyone please help with book suggestions, class suggestions, school etc. so that I can properly learn?  I'm willing to put the time and work in, I would certainly enjoy it.  I just don't know where to begin.  Any suggestions would be helpful.  Thank you.
 

Scott Garrigus books are the local favorite.
 
http://www.garrigus.com/powerbooks.asp
 
 

The first thing I'd recommend is to define the bass tone you're after.
Once you've determined that, it's just a matter of having the right gear.
ie:  Are you looking for a straight DI tone... or an amped up tone?
 
For straight DI, the Avalon U5 and A-Designs REDDI are both popular choices... as is the Tech-21 VT Bass.
 
If you're after a DI that includes AmpSim, I'd recommend the Zoom B3.
The B3 is one of the least expensive easiest solutions to recording Bass.
The B3 can output both processed signal (AmpSim) and straight DI simultaneously.
At $199, there's no better solution.
If you're into classic-rock bass tones, your Fender J running thru the B3's Bassman model will sound great.
 
If you have the recording space, a nice bass head and cab, and the mics to do it well... mic'ing a real bass cab sounds fantastic.  I like to use a pair of mics on a 2x10 cab.  An SM57 captures a tight-focused mid (great for the attack and articulation)... and either a LDC (condenser) or LDD (dynamic) captures a more "full range" tone.
Mix the two mics to taste...
 
If you're recording DI... and you're found your preferred DI box, it's super easy to record with consistent results.  
 
You can read books and watch videos for ideas...
But (IMO) there's no substitute for diving in and learning by doing.
Create a simple backing track... and start trying various options.
 
Recording via straight DI, the Bass will have extended frequency response.
Deeper lows and higher highs.
As a player, you'll have to work harder to control dynamics... as there's no amp to smooth things out.
Pre and/or Post compression can help.
 
Recording a bass amp, the speaker will filter off the highs and deepest sub-bass.
The amp will smooth out dynamics.
The amp will tend to "toughen up" the sound (when compared to straight DI).
 
FWIW, I love Fender basses.  
I tend to not like a J straight DI (with no AmpSim).
To my ears, a J recorded straight DI sounds a bit "anemic".
Even if you've got a killer J and a world-class DI...
Play that J thru an Amp or a quality AmpSim... and it's fantastic.