James J. Mason, 76, of Leicester, died Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022 surrounded by his devoted family.

He will be lovingly missed by his wife of 53 years, Pamela A. (Cutting) Mason, his daughter, Kimberly A. Mason and her fiancé Colleen O’Leary of Leicester; his son, Scott D. Mason and his wife Tara and three grandchildren: Teigan, Vincenzo and Giovanni of Concord, NH; a sister Gail Burns-Girouard and brother-in-law Edmond of Oxford; several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brother, Stephen Mason.

Born in Worcester, the son of Lena (Wassell) Saulenas and Stephen J. Mason, James graduated from South High School and proudly served his country in the US. Navy during the Vietnam War. Upon his return, Jim was a union president and then a supervisor at Phalo Corp. in Shrewsbury until 1983 when he retired to stay home and raise his two children.

A lifelong sports enthusiast (especially softball and bowling), Jim was a passionate supporter of sports equity, starting the Leicester Girls Softball League with the late Jack Levine. He further contributed to his community as a long time member of the Leicester Lions Club and the American Legion. He liked motorcycle rides on his Suzuki 1100, taking photographs, and listening to rock ‘n roll.

Jim’s calling hours will be held on Fri. Sept. 23 at the MORIN FUNERAL HOME in Leicester from 5 to 7 p.m. A Mass will be held on Sat. Sept. 24 at 10 a.m. in St. Pius X Church in Leicester. The burial will be at a later date. Jim was an animal advocate.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Second Chance Animal Services, P.O. Box 136, E. Brookfield, Ma. 01515.