James "Jim" Russel Mason, age 90, of Hart, Michigan, passed away peacefully on September 24 after a courageous battle with lung cancer and complications from a fall. He was surrounded by his loving family and is now rejoicing in the presence of his Savior.
Jim was born on May 20, 1935, in Swanton, Ohio, to Russell and Ethel Mason. He joined his beloved sister, Mary Louise, and from an early age developed a deep love for sports. After graduating from high school, Jim attended Bowling Green University for a year before proudly serving in the United States Marine Corps for two years. Following his service, he completed his education with the help of the GI Bill, earning a bachelor's degree in education from Bowling Green. Jim earned his master's degree in counseling from Siena Heights in 1970.
At age 29, Jim met the love of his life, Mary Ellen. They were married on September 5, 1964, and shared 61 beautiful years together. They raised three children—Russ, Natalie and Andy—instilling in them the same values of faith, family and service that defined Jim's life.
Jim began his career teaching and coaching the Swanton Bulldogs football, track and basketball teams, and he was an inaugural member of the Swanton Athletic Hall of Fame. The family moved to Hart, Michigan in 1972, where he and Mary Ellen owned the Western Auto Hardware store in Hart for a few years. When the recession hit, Jim returned to his true calling—education. He served for many years as a dedicated junior high principal and coach. Football was his favorite, and he coached at Shelby Public Schools, where he impacted countless young lives. Jim also coached Hart JV as an assistant after retiring from teaching in 1988.
In 1979 Jim and Mary Ellen committed their lives to Christ. From that moment on, his faith became the cornerstone of his life. He was a devoted Gideon, Sunday School teacher and missionary, sharing the love of Christ wherever he went—from local churches to the Dominican Republic, Canada and Indiana. Jim worked as a Friend of the Court in Hart and was a park ranger at Jellystone Park.
Jim had a zest for life and adventure. He and Mary Ellen rode their motorcycle all over the nation and Canada. Together, they spent eight years serving with Christian non-profits like the SOWERs ministry and six years with New Horizons Youth Ministry. He was also part of the team that helped fundraise and build the Creation Museum in Kentucky.
Jim was known for his kindness, infectious laughter and love of storytelling. He cherished music jam sessions with his grandchildren, never missed a game, and remained a passionate fan of all sports—especially football. Above all, he put God and family first.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Ellen; his children Russell (Charlotte), Natalie (Bob Adams), and Andrew (Karen); grandchildren Chris (Lauren), John, Shelby, Erika (Eric), Mason, Forrest (Maribel), Luke (Kayla), David, Josiah (Annika) and Matthew; and great-grandchildren Logan, Hannah, Reid, Paislee, Asher, Rowan, Tobias and Taliesin.
Jim's legacy of faith, love and service lives on in the many lives he touched. He will be dearly missed, but we rejoice knowing he is with his Savior in heaven—and we look forward to the day we will see him again.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 11 at the Hart Wesleyan Church in Hart, Michigan. Following the service there will be a reception and a bluegrass gospel jam session. Please feel free to bring your instrument to join in.
