James Carmen Mastri

James (Jim) Mastri never faltered in his decision to make television news his professional calling. His love of broadcasting began early at Maine East High School and continued as he pursued his BA in journalism at the University of Iowa. Jim's career path wove through Rockford, Illinois; Columbia, South Carolina; Raleigh, North Carolina; and finally back to Chicago and ABC 7. During his lengthy career, Jim won several regional Emmy awards in recognition of the high quality news stories he created with his fellow journalists. He was able to travel broadly for his job and was fortunate enough to visit many foreign countries including Cuba, Russia, Mexico, and Denmark to name a few. He brought back many amazing stories and fond memories. Jim never stopped pursuing knowledge and decided that, even though he was in his 50's, it was never too late to go back to school. In addition to doing his daily job of covering the news, he decided to pursue an MBA. At the time of his death, Jim was deciding how to combine his love of videography and his newly-acquired degree from Bellevue University.
Throughout Jim's life he had many interests including playing golf with his family and friends and brewing beer at home. While the PGA was never a consideration, his home-brew received many rave reviews from those lucky enough to receive a bottle. Watching sports and supporting his Chicago teams - Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, and Cubs (sorry White Sox!) was another pastime he enjoyed, particularly with his brothers, nephews, and sons.
Jim met his wife, Michelle, while working at WIS-TV in Columbia, South Carolina. They would have been married 30 years this coming October. Jim and Michelle had two sons, Nicholas and Michael, for whom they are immensely proud. Jim's sons share that same dedication and determination as their father. He was looking forward to continuing to benefit from Nick's cooking abilities as Nick expanded his love of cooking and put his culinary skills to good use at Monteverde in Chicago. Jim was also proudly watching his son, Michael, as he graduated from Marquette University and plans to attend law school at George Washington University in Washington, DC in the fall.
Jim leaves behind countless supportive friends and colleagues as well as his wife Michelle, sons Nicholas and Michael, mother Jeanette Mastri, brothers Tom and Greg and their wives Marni and Marie Claire, mother-in-law Cynthia (Pat) Purvis, sister-in-law Katy Patton née Purvis and her husband Corey, brother-in-law Jeff, nieces Samantha and Maeve, nephews Matthew and Joe, as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins and his dog, Cooper.
Many will fondly remember his sense of humor, kindness, devotion to family and career, and
how much he detested Chicago traffic and blue video.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cancer Wellness Center in Northbrook, Illinois.