Sept. 26, 1946 ~ Aug. 27, 2023
James William Masner was born the oldest of seven children to William and Lois Masner on September 26, 1946, in Fort Worth, Texas.
When he was a young boy his mom and dad moved their family to southern California. After graduating from high school, Jim joined the United States Navy and served three tours in the Vietnam War from 1966 – 1969. After returning home from the service, he joined the San Bernardino Police Department.
On May 15, 1971, Jim married the love of his life, Carol Ann Van Kalsbeek. Together they started a beautiful family and had four children. As Jim's career successes accumulated, plans were made to move the family to Colorado, but as they traveled through Millard County, their hearts fell in love with the Fillmore area and put down roots for 45 years. The Masner's always felt a special kinship to Fillmore as the "M" on the mountain could only have been for them to settle down. His love for community drove him to serve Holden in a variety of ways, including a volunteer firefighter and Mayor. After starting out as an electrician, dad's passion for helping others landed him a position as a dispatcher and, eventually, Sheriff's Deputy for the Millard County Sheriff's Office. Jim retired from police work in 2005 after having served his communities for 32 years.
After settling in Holden, Jim and Carol joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and were sealed together with their children in the Manti Temple on February 23, 1980. Jim was a faithful member and served in many capacities in the Church. His passion for family history and genealogical work assisted in his helping many members of his family and community in seeking their ancestors. He and Carol served many years as Temple Ordinance Workers in the Manti Utah temple until they moved to Roseberg, Oregon to be closer to their children and grandchildren in 2020.
Jim leaves behind a legacy and memory of making his family a number one priority. He lived an honorable life filled with the love of outdoors, fishing, camping, hunting, serving others, and tinkering in his garage. "He lived an honorable life and made a difference in the lives of so many others." No moss ever grew under his feet. He is survived by his wife, Carol, of 52 years; his daughters Jennifer (Roger) and Allison (Jim), his son George (Julia), and son-in-law Joshua; his brothers and sisters Tommy, Bobby, David, Randy, Sharon, and Felecia; his grandchildren Austin, Riley, Leslie, Kaden, Mersaidies, Miley, Lillie, Bryan, Christopher, and Samantha; and his great-grandchildren Rudy and Adrienne. Jim is preceded in death by his parents William and Lois Masner, and his daughter Amanda.
A Viewing will be held Wednesday, September 6, 2023 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Olpin Stevens Funeral Home, in Fillmore. Graveside services will be held Thursday, Sept 7, 2023 at 11 a.m. in the Holden Cemetery.
Online condolences can be offered at www.olpinstevensfuneralhome.com.
