James L. Mason of Ellwood City passed away on Monday, August 8, 2022 at AHN Wexford Hospital. He was 74 years old.
Jim was born on August 28, 1947 in Grand Mound, Iowa to Reginald and Inez Mason. Jim proudly served in the Air Force after receiving his BA from Western State College of Colorado. On August 16, 1971 he married the love of his life, Ann Clark Mason. In addition to family and faith, Education and learning was paramount in Jim’s life. He earned a Master of Education in both Developmental Reading and School Management from Loyola College. He taught English, journalism and photography at Harford County Public Schools from 1973 to 1999. In addition to his teaching duties, Jim served as a basketball coach and high school newspaper advisor. In 1997-1998, Jim was awarded Harford County Teacher of the Year and was a finalist for Maryland Teacher of the Year. Jim rounded out his beloved teaching career as professor at Harford County Community College where he taught English, public speaking and journalism from 2002-2009. Prior to teaching at the college level, Jim was Manager of the Office of Public Information for Harford County, Maryland. In addition to teaching and working in local government, Jim also worked in media throughout his professional life. Jim hosted the television program Business Beat on CNN Headline News and Harford County Government Monthly and served as a part-time news anchor on WGAL-TV in Lancaster, Pennsylvania for many years. He also had a career in radio as a reporter at WCBM-AM in Baltimore. Service was important to Jim. He was a member of Calvin Presbyterian Church, where he was an elder and very passionate about leading the mission committee. He was also a past President of the Ellwood City Rotary Club, where he served as editor of the monthly newsletter.
Jim is survived by his wife of 51 years Ann Mason of Ellwood City and his three children David, Kelly and Greg as well as their respective spouses Kelly Masterson Mason and Adam Myers. Jim had seven grandchildren whom he loved very much: Zoe, Garrett and Quinn Mason, and Morgan, Drake, Winston and Emily Myers. Jim is also survived by his sister Tammy Mason and two brothers, Mark Mason and Steve Mason, as well as Steve’s wife Charley.
Friends will be received on Saturday, August 13, 2022 from 11:00 AM until the time of the funeral service at 12 Noon at Calvin Presbyterian Church, 615 Crescent Avenue, Ellwood City with Rev. Sean Brubaker, celebrant. Interment will take place in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Joseph A. Tomon, Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 97 Grim Avenue, Ellport.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions can be made in Jim’s name to either Calvin Presbyterian Church or the Ellwood City Rotary Club.
Myers Family, what a beautiful man. Inside and out. May all of you, continue feel his presence and love for the rest of your lives. I see a life full of purpose and gumption! One that reached out into the future by educating and sharing knowledge with young minds. Hold onto each other tight and share all the stories you have, much love to you all. David and Susan
I’m so sad to hear this news. I have such great memories of Jim from my childhood and I know he had a positive and inspirational impact on a lot of people. I’m so sorry for your family’s loss, but I know he lives on through his children and grandchildren. He was a very special man. Love you all so much, Jane
Mr. Mason was my all time favorite teacher while at North Harford High School. I learned so much from him and he had one of the kindest hearts. I always had the upmost respect for him. My condolences to his family.
Just saw him at King Of Prussia mall last summer w his family. What a loss to all who knew him. Prayers to your family. He was so loved ❤️
Mr. Mason was one of the best teachers at North Harford High School. He left a last impression on a lot of students over the years.
Wonderful husband,father,teacher, good man. My husband and I had the privilege of knowing him as a teacher at North Harford High School. Did so much in his lifetime. He will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
My condolences to the family. I’m sad to hear the news. Mr. Mason was one of my favorite teachers at North Harford. I was in his journalism class for 2 years and really enjoyed it. I’m sure he’ll be remembered fondly by all the students whose lives he touched. He was a great man!
My classroom was next door to Jim’s for years. He was always a gentleman and a true professional. He was highly respected by all of his students. It was a blessing to know him.
Mr. Mason was an absolute gem, and I remember him fondly from North Harford High School (’86) He had high expectations of us and we all strove to reach those expectations to gain his approval. His smile was contagious and it was obvious that he cared for his students. Hugs and condolences to his family; I know he’ll be missed.
Mr. Mason started with us at Joppatowne High School in 1973 when the school first opened. He was instrumental in helping us establish many school traditions, such as starting the school newspaper (On Deck). He was a wonderful teacher — calm and steady, with a gently bemused way of dealing with adolescent growing pains. I’m not surprised he went on to win a Teacher of the Year award. Warm condolences to his family, I’m sure he will be greatly missed. He really was an exceptional man.
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of such a wonderful man and an inspirational teacher. I had Mr. Mason all 4 years at NHHS. I truly enjoyed the times during the monthly construction of the newspaper with all of his journalism students and how we would spend hours after school together and the March Madness games on TV in his classroom. The last time I saw him we both worked on the HCC campus and he interviewed me on the radio station. I often think about him as he inspired me to go to Towson for Mass Comm. As I am belive he inspired many. My deepest condolences to your family.
I had the pleasure of knowing Jim first as a student at Joppatowne High School in the mid 70’s and as a fellow teacher as I began my teaching career at JHS in 82′. I will always remember his singing impressions of Bob Seger during English class. He would sing to us and play his Air guitar. The class would gladly join in on the chorus. He made learning so fun and engaging. I’m so sorry to hear of his passing. My deepest prayers and condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.
Diane Hinton Bishop JHS class of 78′
Sending sympathies to Ann and family for the loss of Jim.
Mr. Mason was an absolutely amazing teacher. He had such a natural way of nurturing the mind and helping students reach their potential. He became a family friend and was such a kind soul. Condolences to his family, I’m sure he will be missed tremendously.
Mr Mason was one of my favorite teachers at Joppatowne High School. He made school fun! some of my fondest memories happened while working on the schools news paper “ On Deck” He always encouraged us to do our best and that smile … it was the first thing we saw when we entered his class room and the last thing we saw as we departed he was kind, funny, just really good person and we were lucky to have him as a role model. My condolences to his family,
Mr. Mason was an incredible teacher with an uncanny ability of pushing you past your comfort zone and expanding your perspective while staying calm, empathetic and warm-hearted at all times. I was lucky enough to have a mentor period with Mr. Mason my senior year and I looked forward to it every day. Whether we discussed journalism, college basketball, politics, music or the latest happenings at NHHS, he always listened intently and asked amazing questions that enriched the conversation and forced me to reflect and explore my (often teenage angst-filled) opinions on a deeper level. I will remember these conversations fondly as well as the Zen-like approach Mr. Mason took while fulfilling his role as a mentor and educator. I can confidently say that I am one of hundreds…thousands…who feel this way about Mr. Mason. My deepest condolences to his family.
Mr. Mason was an incredible man, both as teacher and friend. I have so many wonderful memories of him. Journalism, Cry of the Hawk, English, competent and honest. Gem of a human. He will be greatly missed.
I had the honor of having Mr. Mason as an English teacher, basketball coach, and newspaper advisor at Joppatowne High School (‘82). He was absolutely the kindest and most fair teacher/coach/advisor I ever encounter. He is one of if not the main reason I became an English teacher. His Tom Selleck smile and radio/tv voice will never be forgotten. Eternally grateful and blessed to have known him. Absolutely amazing person!
Mr Mason, as I knew him, was such an excellent teacher and had such a passion for journalism. He was definitely one of my most impressionable and memorable teachers. He always seemed so genuine and to truly care about each of his students. A funny story that pops in my mind was he told me he sometimes would get a muscle spasm in his eye and it would drive him crazy. Then he said, you’ll never guess what my doctor recommended to make it better… a beer :).
My deepest condolences to his family who he often spoke about in class and loved so very much. I’m a better person for having know Jim Mason and having him as teacher. RIP Mr Mason, and I’m sure you positively influenced many students like me over your career.