James Summers Mason, 86, of Marlinton, passed away Friday, December 12, 2025.
Born October 29, 1939, he was a son of the late Paul L. and Catherine Clark Mason.
Jim was a 1958 graduate of Marlinton High School, a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served in Germany. He barbered at Barrack’s Row in Charlottesville, Virginia. He was a bank teller in Marlinton, and he worked for Southern States in Martinsburg. He also spent many hours as a devoted caretaker of friends in Pocahontas County.
Jim never knew a stranger, was quick to show kindness, was generous to a fault, and could entertain for hours with stories, magic tricks and puzzles. Everyone who knew and loved him will greatly miss him.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Donald Wayne, Paul Brooks, David Kinney and Kelley Raye; and two wives; Saundra McNellan Mason and Monda Shinaberry Mason.
He is survived by a son, Andrew Mason, of Charlottesville, Virginia; nephews, Douglas Mason, Jeff Mason and Paul Mason; nieces, Kris Graffius, Leah Semaine and Paula Jesalva; many great-nephews-and-nieces; step-children, Karen McCoy, and husband, Steve, and Phyllis Buettner, and husband, Lou; sisters-in-law, Dreama Burns, and husband, Tom, and Linda Sharp, and husband, Ray; a very special friend, Jeff Barone; and a host of friends and acquaintances.
Funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Lantz Funeral Home in Buckeye with Pastor Sam Felton officiating. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery. The family will receive friends from noon until time of service.
In lieu of flowers donations of sympathy may be made to Pocahontas Center, 5 Everette Tibbs Road, Marlinton, WV 24954
Online condolences may be made at Lantzfuneralhome.com
