James "Jim" Masters Jr.

Gaffney, S.C. - During the early morning hours of November ninth, Jim Masters quietly and peacefully left this world. Throughout his passing, members of his family stood vigil, seeking his care and comfort above all things. He was a man who loved his family, as exhibited by his diligent care of his mother and his keen interest in the lives of his wife, children, and grandchildren. Jim also loved his wide circle of friends, many of whom were comrades from his childhood. He told wonderful stories of his early years, a period of his life that he loved to remember and share with others. Very few people are gifted with such an idyllic childhood as was Jim. He spent his summer days at Irene Swimming Pool and evenings playing Little League baseball. His early schooldays were spent at his beloved Central School. Jim was proud of his elementary alma mater and believed that his elementary education was categorically excellent. From his theatrical debut as Old King Cole in Miss Brown's second grade classroom to his assignment as "bearer of the pie" to Miss Mattie Mae's mother on Apple Pie Day, Jim enthusiastically welcomed each responsibility. Throughout his life, he developed a keen sense of humor that entertained us all.

From his parents Jim acquired an exceptional work ethic that sustained him throughout his life. At an early age, he began working at Camp's Barbeque and subsequently worked various jobs throughout his youth. While a young father of twenty-one, he became an insurance agent with Life of Virginia. Later in his life, he worked alongside his partner, Betty Roberson, to establish Gaffney Insurance Agency. In Jim's adult life, he found joy in coaching Little League baseball, fish fries with friends at the Gaffney Fire Department, talking under the tree at Joy Drive-In, trips to Myrtle Beach, Las Vegas, and destinations of work junkets, playing golf at Gaffney Country Club and Cherokee National Golf and Recreation Club, Gaffney High and Clemson football games, and playing with his grandchildren.

Jim was born in Greenville, South Carolina to James E. and Gennie Masters. He and his family moved to Gaffney, South Carolina when he was two years old. Jim is survived by his wife, Diane Broome Masters; his son, Dr. James Masters (Shannon) of Brooklyn, New York; his son Whitt Masters (Rachel) of Washington, D.C.; his mother, Gennie Christopher Masters; his sister, Kaye Masters Orr of Oak Park, Illinois; and by his grandchildren: Henry Silas Masters and Isaac Samuel Masters. In addition to his father, Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Alan C. Masters, senior and his best friend and partner in mischief, David Phillips.

The family will receive friends from one to two pm on November 13, 2023 at Limestone Street United Methodist Church. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 pm at the Church with Reverend Ron Singleton officiating. Interment will be in Frederick Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cherokee Recreation District at 580 Twin Lake Road, Gaffney, SC 29341.

The family will receive friends at Gennie Masters' home or Diane Broome Masters' home, respectively.

An online guest register is available at www.blakelyfuneralhome.com.

Blakely Funeral Home & Crematory, Gaffney, SC