September 6, 1937 – May 22, 2018
James Mason, 80, of Leander, Texas passed away on Tuesday, May 22, 2018. He was a member of Hill Country Bible Church where he enjoyed the Prime Time Sunday School Class and working as an usher in the worship service. Previously, he was a member of First Baptist Church of Garland for 36 years where he was also an usher, deacon and trustee.
He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Billie and his sister Mary Jo Mason. James is survived by his beloved wife Helen, son Greg and wife Silvia of San Francisco, California and son Jay and wife Heather and children Connor and Katie of Cedar Park, Texas along with many other family members.
James was born September 6, 1937 in San Angelo, Texas, to Joseph Cullen and Billie Mason. He grew up in west Texas, living in Spur, Colorado City, and Abilene. It was Abilene that he considered his home town, graduating from Abilene High School in 1956, where he played on the varsity football team. James played football at Cisco Junior College and served in the United States Air Force before enrolling at the University of Texas at Austin where he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration Degree.
James was a grocery man by trade, having worked in grocery stores in his youth and as a buyer for Safeway Stores for many years after college. After retiring from the business world, he became a high school history and government teacher and enjoyed this second career for another 12 years. In his retirement, James enjoyed volunteering for many activities through his church, but he focused his time and energy helping children learn and grow. In recent years, James, with wife Helen, had moved from Garland to Leander, and loved the numerous visits from his grandchildren, whom he adored.
In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations can be made in James’ memory to Cru (Cru, P.O. Box 628222, Orlando, Florida 32862-8222, a note should be included directing the gift to the ministry of David and Mindi Adams, account #0486610; on-line at https://give.cru.org/0486610) or a charity of your choice.
A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, May 29 at 1:30 p.m. at Hill Country Bible Church – Lakeline in Austin.