James Hardeman Masters

Dr. James Hardeman Masters passed away at home on May 17, 2023.
James was born January 8, 1938, in Grapeland, Texas, to Heulan and Mary Etta Masters. He was the oldest of 5 children born to this union.
James leaves behind a wife, Jeanne Kirk Masters of 63 years. James and Jeanne had two daughters, Jenni Masters Condra and her husband, Steve, and Joy Masters McDonald and her husband, Scott. James also leaves behind 5 grandchildren, Lauren Condra, Ryan Condra, Morgan McDonald, Logan McDonald and his wife Makaya, Jeanette Garcia and her husband Victor. Great- grandsons, James Garcia, and Noah McDonald.
Early life for James was nomadic. When James was 8, his parents moved from Mineral Wells, Texas to Springfield, Vermont where his father preached for the Church of Christ. Then in 1954, the family moved to Brattleboro, Vermont where James graduated High School in 1956. He then attended Abilene Christian College. In 1958, James met the love of his life, Jeanne Kirk.
Once James graduated from Abilene Christian College in 1961 he started his career preaching in Claremore, Oklahoma. He then went on to preach in Sioux Falls, South Dakota as well as Ballwin, Missouri.
While in Missouri, James decided to go into the field of Education. He got his Master's Degree at the University of Missouri. He taught 5th grade for several years.
In 1974, James was called to Dallas, Texas, to become the Headmaster of Christian Academy of Oak Cliff. While he was working as Headmaster, he was called to be an Elder for Trinity Oaks Church of Christ. He was also an elder for the Rolling Hills Church of Christ in Desoto, Texas.
After 6 years in private education, he went into public education as Superintendent for Melissa ISD. While he was in Melissa, he worked to finish his Doctoral Degree. He finished his 25 career in Education in West Texas for the Buena Vista ISD in Imperial, Texas.
When James retired in 2003, he and Jeanne moved to the Canton area. They attended the Eastern Hills Church of Christ in Athens, Texas, where he also served as an elder. During his time in Athens he also served as a school Board member for the Athens Christian Prepatory Academy.
He enjoyed his retirement watching his cattle on his land from his favorite swing. He was where he wanted to be when the Lord called him home.