James T. Masterson

James T. Masterson, 77, of St. Joseph, passed away, suddenly, on Tuesday, June 09, 2009 at his home surrounded by his loving family. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Friday June 12, 2009 at Starks and Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Road, in St. Joseph. Pastor Rick Blumenburg will officiate. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. on Thursday evening, June 11 at the funeral home. Burial with Military Rites will take place at North Shore Memory Gardens, Hagar Shores. Memorial contributions in honor of James can be made either to Hospice at Home-St. Joseph or to the Berrien County Cancer Service. Messages of sympathy may be sent to the family online at www.starks-menchinger.com. James was born on March 11, 1932 to Elijah and Zula (Usery) Masterson in Kennett, MO. James served his country in the Air Force during the Korean War. He retired after 38 years of faithful service to Michigan Bell Telephone Company. He married the love of his life, Teruko on November 28, 1954 in Tokyo, Japan. Together, they raised four daughters, Linda, Kathy, Teresa, and Joy. He loved to bowl, golf and collect stamps. Most of all, James cherished his family and friends. James is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Teruko (Misawa) Masterson; his daughters, Linda (Kraig) Smith of Oldsmar, FL, Kathy (Mitch) Fanti of Granger, IN, Teresa (Manfred) Gerstenkorn of St. Joseph, and Joy (Ken) Carr of Gardnerville, NV; Brothers and Sister, Wayne (Dottie) Masterson of Bridgman, Bobbie (Carol) Masterson of St. Joseph, Patricia (Bob) Spear of St. Joseph; Grandchildren, Alissa, Lindsey, Tessa, Michael, Megan, Jennifer, Jason, Juliann, Mika and Miranda; Five great grandchildren, Alexi, Jacob, Mikayla, Teriana and Joshua; Sister-In-Law, Reiko Henry; Many nieces and nephews and close friends. He is preceded in death by his brother, David Masterson; A sister, Martha Henry; Granddaughter, Jennifer Smith; Great granddaughter, Tessia Davis; and his parents, Elijah and Zula.