GREENWOOD
James L. Mason, 87 years old, died on August 20, 2021. He was born at Johnston City, Illinois on July 5, 1934 to Leon and Pauline (White) Mason, one of three children, James Leon, Marjorie Marilyn, and Gerald Edward, both who preceded James in death. He was baptized at the First Christian Church in Johnston City.
Jim graduated from Johnston City High School in May 1952. He joined the U.S. Navy in June 1952 and served during the Korean War aboard the U.S.S. Oriskany from September 1952 until May 1955. He was honorably discharged as a Machinist Mate 2nd class.
After discharge, he moved to Carlsbad, NM, where he worked as a potash miner and attended night classes at the local community college until 1959. He then transferred to the New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, NM where he worked as the Chief Security Guard for an operation of the White Sands Proving Ground. Jim also obtained his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Biology there in 1963.
After graduation, Jim was employed as a Microbiologist by the U.S. Army at Pine Bluff Arsenal in Arkansas from 1963 to 1967. He moved to Indianapolis in 1967 and worked as a Research Microbiologist for the Dow Chemical Company developing human and animal vaccines. In 1975, he became the Manager of Environmental Services and later continued in the same position for DowAgrosciences until he retired in 1997.
Jim was an avid reader and life long learner, skilled woodworker and history buff, especially of the Civil War.
Jim is survived by his wife of 37 years, Rebecca (Gearhart) Mason; two daughters, Paula (Jeff) Heinemeier, and Sharon (Yuval) Landau; three step-daughters, Laura (Dennis) Combs, Melinda (Scott) Gary, and Nickole (Joe) Milewski; 1 granddaughter; 3 grandsons; 1 step-grandson; 4 step-granddaughters; 1 great-grandson; 2 great-granddaughters; and 1 step-great-granddaughter.
His two sons, Phillip Mason Wallace and Steven Mason preceded him in death.
A graveside service will be conducted on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at 11:00 am (local time) at Barham – Marion City Cemetery, 216 W. McDonald Street, Marion, IL 62959. Arrangements entrusted to G.H. Herrmann Greenwood Funeral Home.
Jim will be laid to rest with military honors. Memorial donations can be made in his memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.
Please share memories, photographs and online condolences with the family at www.ghherrmann.com.
