James H. Mason Jr “Jim”, age 86, of Gladwin, passed from this life on Saturday, May 4, 2024. He was born on January 28, 1938, the son of James H. and Martha (Miller) Mason Sr., in Detroit on Bagley Street and Grand Boulevard. He grew up in Taylor and graduated from Southwestern High School in Detroit, in 1956. After graduating, Jim enlisted in the United States Navy, retiring after serving 20 years. Following the Navy, he worked at Ford Motor Company in Dearborn as an electrician until his retirement in 1999.
In 1978, Jim purchased property on Wiggins Lake. On August 21, 1981, Jim married Helen Gray, in Allen Park, where they lived for 18 years, until they moved to their forever home on Wiggins Lake in 1999. Jim and Helen shared 42 years of love and memories together.
He is survived by his beloved wife: Helen Mason; sons: James M (Lesley) Mason, of Ann Arbor, Thomas Mercer, Daniel A. Mercer, Tedd Mercer, and Eric Mercer, all of Gladwin, and David Mercer, of Wyoming; 13 grandchildren: Colin, Griffin, and Emmett Mason, of Ann Arbor, Jennifer, Rachel, Aaron, Johnethan, Sarah, Franklin, Robert, Brad, and Amber Mercer, and Michelle; 6 great-grandchildren; sister: Mary Tollefson; sister-in-law: Debbie Mason; along with many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents: James and Martha; grandparents: Henry and Susana (Unger) Mason, and Harry and Carrie (Hutman) Miller; brother: Daniel; brother-in-law: Rick Tollefson and Micki Gray; sister-in-laws: Hazel (Robert) Ray and Faye (Jack) Tennant; and grandson: Brent Mercer.
Funeral services will take place on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 1:00 P.M. at Gladwin Assembly of God Church. Visitation will take place on Thursday at 11:00 A.M. until the time of service. Visitation will also be held on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 from 4:00-8:00 P.M.at Hall-Kokotovich Funeral Home in Gladwin. Jim will be laid to rest at Billings Township Cemetery in Beaverton. Memorial contributions may be made to the Gladwin Assembly of God Church and the Navy Relief Association. Arrangements are in the care of Hall-Kokotovich Funeral Home. www.hallkokotovichfuneralhome.com
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