Jim was born March 24, 1942, to Jack and Ollie (Olmire) Mason at 1133 Hill Street, Sturgis, SD, where Dr. Massa and his grandmother, Johanna Olmire, who was a midwife, delivered him. His childhood was spent sharing time with his mother, father, and uncle and aunt, Simon and Katie Ferdig. This resulted in his attending 24 different schools in 8 years.
On January 25, 1961, he married Loretta Hansen in Sturgis. This is when his life really began. He loved her very much, and the two of them were always together as a team. They enjoyed bowling and taking road trips through the hills. Jim, being a kid at heart, enjoyed coaching baseball, and he enjoyed playing games with his own children and the neighborhood kids. He was very family oriented and they did many family things together. He enjoyed racing stock cars, loved to play basketball and men's softball, and WOW, could he hit those "Cans of Corn." As years went on, they were seen in Deadwood making numerous friends, memories, and enjoying each other.
He was "ONE OF A KIND!" He worked numerous jobs over the years. The one he enjoyed the most was being a "Hawker" at "BB Cody's" starting in 1987. He was the voice of Deadwood bringing in business with his famous "BB Cody's" voice. He could be heard for blocks and he met a lot of people from all walks of life in the process and loved to joke with them. After his health failed him, he wasn't able to work but could still go see old friends, with Loretta by his side.
Jim loved giving nicknames and if you got one it stuck. Even if it was years between visits, he would remember it and always called you by your nickname.
James D. Mason, 73, of Sturgis, SD, died Friday, July 17, 2015, at Rapid City Regional Hospital.
Jim is survived by his wife of 54 years, Loretta (Hansen); daughter, Francie (Casey) Brink; son, Jim (Donna) Mason; six grandchildren, Alicia (Mike) Salazar, Nicole (Josh) Meirose, Kyle (Lynsy) Brink, Kayla (Matt) Littlefield, Callen Brink, and Paige Brink; ten great-grandkids, Nathan, Shyloh, Tegan, Landon, Levi, Lance, Cayson, Trygg, Austin, and Emily; sister, Patty (Chuck) Carroll; special sister-in-law, June Mason; special cousin, Betty (Ferdig) Bevier; and also many other relatives and friends.
He was loved very much and we are so thankful to have been a part of his life. He will be greatly missed, not only by the ones who knew him, but also by his dogs that were so special to him.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bob; aunt, Katie; and uncle, Simon.
A memorial has been established.