James Francis “Jim” Masterson, 90, of Chesterfield, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Chesterfield.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, March 24, 2025 at 11:30 A.M. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Slater, with Fr. Francis Doyle officiating. Burial will be in Slater City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:30 until the time of services Monday at the church. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, or St. Joseph Catholic Church in Slater, in care of Weiker Funeral Home in Slater.
Born March 10, 1935 in Springfield, Illinois, he was the only son of the late Russell and Marie Lofy Masterson. He was raised in Springfield, where he attended Cathedral Boys’ High School. He excelled in sports, and went on to play basketball at the collegiate level at Quincy College, before his marriage to Barbara Monahan in 1955.
He is survived by his wife, Judy Wise-Masterson, whom he married on May 6, 1997 in Montego Bay, Jamaica; the mother of his children, Barbara Monahan; two daughters, Mary K. Ilowiecki and Kim (Ray) Swanson; five sons, Daniel Masterson, Thom (Beth Ann) Masterson, Steve Masterson, Robert (Karen) Masterson, and Richard Wise; twelve grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, James Masterson, II; two sisters, Patricia Coady and Sharon Masterson; a son-in-law, James Ilowiecki; and a great-granddaughter, Wilhemina Stevenson.
A career in Sales was where Jim would thrive. From his first job as a sales representative for Fuller Brush Company to the many major companies he would work for in the decades ahead, including Metropolitan Life, Purex, Anderson Clayton Foods, Simonize Company, and R&F Spaghetti in St. Louis, he sought to constantly find employment that satisfied his desire to do better in his chosen field and provide for his family. Driven by a lifelong desire to own his own business, he, with business associate Bob Vogt, started Guide Book Publications in 1991, which provided a communications tool for congregations via directory sent to parishioners, also enhancing parish stewardship. From its start in their homes, GBP thrived, and continues to this day, serving over 850 congregations and 8,000 businesses per year in twenty-five states.
In retirement, Jim enjoyed golf and traveling with Judy to many places, including Arizona, Florida, Las Vegas, New Orleans, and more; plus several ocean cruises. He beat lung cancer, demonstrating tremendous patience and adversity during this and other health related issues. Jim felt compassionately about the value of hard work and integrity in business. He instilled in his children the importance of honesty, taking initiative in life to meet one’s goals, generosity, and dedication to purpose.