James Mason

James H. Mason, 73, of Mansfield, died Friday morning, June 18, 2004 at his home following a brief illness. He was born August 31, 1930 in Ashland to Leslie C. and Dorothy Kolb Mason. After his graduation from Ashland High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1948, serving during the Korean War and retired as a Senior Master Sergeant in 1968. After his retirement he became involved in the restaurant business and was owner/operator of Mona Lisa Restaurant in Rome, New York, District Manager of area Borden Burgers, manager of B.P.O.E. #56 and Gambles Mill Inn, owned Roxy Inn and was canteen manager of Amvets Post #26. He was a member of Amvets Post #26, B.P.O.E. #56 and Mansfield Liederkranz.

He is survived by five children and their spouses, Leslie and Cindy Mason of Norfolk, Virginia, Richard Mason, Kimberly and Kurt Swigart, Deborah and Tom Keefe and James and Jacqueline Mason, all of Mansfield; four stepchildren, Russ Hock, Linda and Doug Perry and Julie Stephenson, all of Mansfield, Tim Hock of Ft. Myers, Florida; fourteen grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two sisters, Shirley and Leroy Merce of Cambridge and Judy Hartwig of Norcross, Georgia; four brothers-in-law and two sisters-in-law in Japan; and his loving cat, Sammy. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Sandy in 1990, and second wife, Lillian in 1999.

Friends may call at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, Tuesday, June 22 from 3:30-6:00 p.m., with full military services at 6:00 p.m. Immediately following the family will receive friends at Amvets Post #26. Memorial contributions may be made to Richland County Humane Society.