James "Jim" C. Mason

James "Jim" Coulter Mason, of St. Charles, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home on December 22, 2024, at the age of 79. Born on Flag Day, June 14, 1945, in Oak Park, Illinois, Jim was the beloved son of George and Jane (Coulter) Mason.

Jim was a proud graduate of Oak Park High School, where he excelled in football, wrestling, and track, showcasing the determination and resilience that would define his life. In 1964, he began his collegiate journey at Northern Illinois University (NIU) in DeKalb, where he continued to pursue his passion for wrestling, a sport that remained close to his heart throughout his life.

Jim's entrepreneurial spirit was ignited during his junior year at NIU when he leased to purchase a Kerr-McGee gas station, which he renamed "Deep Rock," located on West Lincoln Highway. With the support of his Sigma Pi fraternity brothers and friends, the Deep Rock thrived, even as Jim dedicated six years of service to the Illinois National Guard.

On November 1, 1969, Jim married Linda Berry, beginning a partnership that was as dynamic as it was enduring. Together, they embarked on a real estate journey, purchasing student housing and eventually acquiring their first apartment building, cementing their role as pillars of the DeKalb community. Through the eventual establishment of Mason Properties, Jim and Linda have contributed to the development of over 177 acres within DeKalb county.

Jim's adventurous spirit took to the skies in 1972 when he earned his pilot's license and later became an instrument-rated pilot. Over the years, he logged more than 4,000 hours of flight time, flying family and friends across the country, creating memories and connections that spanned thousands of miles.

A passionate advocate for DeKalb, Jim was extremely dedicated to civic engagement and improvement. Jim attended hundreds of DeKalb City Council meetings and penned a volume of insightful Letters to the Editor over the years. As a life-long conservative, Jim proudly hosted "Jim Mason's Inconvenient Truth," a weekly radio show to engage contributors and listeners on compelling topics of local and national importance. Jim's final episode aired on December 19, 2024, and is available at JimMasonsInconvenientTruth.com.

Jim frequently told his children, Ashley and Ryan, that they were the best thing that ever happened to him. They were the light of his life, and he cherished every moment spent guiding, supporting and loving them throughout his almost 48 years as a parent. Nothing lit up Jim's face more than recalling memories of Ryan's wrestling career, not only Ryan's achievements and natural talent but the time they spent together traveling the state. He was proud of the strong work ethic he instilled in each of them and was grateful for their commitment to perpetuating the business.

Jim's legacy is one of boundless energy and adventure, unwavering dedication, and deep love for his family, friends, the community and his country. He will be remembered for his kindness, determination, and the remarkable impact he made on the lives of those around him.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, George and Jane Mason, brother George Mason; parents-in-law Donald and Millie Berry, sister-in-law Donna Berry Dreher and dogs Bentley I and Bentley II. He is survived by his former wife and business partner, Linda; daughter, Ashley and husband Tim and their children, Ava and Cate; son Ryan; sister Marie Robertson (Dave); brother-in-law Steven Berry (Gina); nephews Derek Robertson, Will Mason (Christine), and Steven Berry; nieces Janel Widen (Dave), Dana Burkhart, Nichole Berry (Ty), Megan Rehak (Craig), and Marissa Waldier (Todd Joseph). And his beloved dog Bentley III.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 3, 2025, from 4.00 p.m. – 7.00 p.m. at Christ Community Church located at 2350 Pride Avenue in DeKalb. The funeral will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 11.00 a.m. at Christ Community Church in DeKalb. Burial will take place at Fairview Park Cemetery in DeKalb. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Family Service Agency. Arrangements were entrusted to Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115, 815.758.3841.

Rest in peace, Jim. Your memory will forever soar in the hearts of those you touched. Your legacy will endure in the lives of those you inspired to action.