James Norris Mason (Jim or "Captain"), age 82, passed away peacefully after a brief battle with multiple myeloma, on July 2, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born in New York City, Jim was raised in Riverdale (the Bronx), NYC and New Milford, Mountain Lakes, and Denville, New Jersey. His family ultimately settled in Centerport on Long Island where he completed high school. Throughout his life, he carried with him the values instilled by his parents, Norris and Agnes - hard work, integrity, and kindness. A talented athlete, his love of baseball and swimming began early in life. A lifelong NY Yankees fan, his passion for the pinstripes was infectious and was inherited by his brother Rich, nephew Chris, son Jimmy, and grandsons Will, Tristan, Finn, RJ, and Decky. Jim's natural affinity with the water began with spending long summers at the Jersey Shore, boating, water skiing, and clamming on Long Island, and serving as a beach lifeguard at Sunken Meadow State Park and Jones Beach in high school.

He was ultimately recruited to swim at Villanova University, where he had the privilege of swimming alongside famed U.S. Olympic swimmer Dick McDonough. His passion for swimming never faded, and throughout his life he remained an avid swimming fan with a deep love of the water and the ocean. Whether on the sea, around a lake, or in a pool, he was happiest near the water.

During his senior year at Villanova, Jim took the Navy Officer Candidate School (OCS) exam on a dare from his best friend. Little did he know that he would be drafted by the Army within a year of graduating from Villanova in 1965. Being the pragmatic man that he was, he called the Navy to find out that he luckily had passed the exam and was welcomed to attend OCS in Newport, RI (which he immediately accepted). Thus began a 30-year decorated active and reserve naval career that culminated in his achieving the senior rank of U.S. Navy Captain. His service to his country took him around the globe, including a combat tour in Vietnam and service in the Gulf War. His wartime service in Vietnam also resulted in him meeting his English rose and the love of his life, Patricia (Tricia), while on R&R in Bangkok, Thailand. What began as a chance meeting at the swimming pool at the Siam Intercontinental Hotel blossomed into a beautiful marriage that spanned 57 years and built an incredible family that became the center of Jim's world.

Following his service in the Navy, Jim entered the business world as a salesman in the petrochemical/plastics industry (he would jokingly say that he was inspired to enter the plastics industry from a line in the movie "The Graduate"), where he would spend the rest of his professional life. He went on to build a distinguished career, culminating in serving as the CEO of Superfos Packing Inc. While he was proud of his professional accomplishments, Jim treasured most the friendships and lasting relationships he built along the way, considering them among the greatest blessings of his life.

Jim and Tricia were devoted parents to their three children and eight grandchildren. Through their moves from NJ, CT, VA, NV, and finally SC, they found a cherished circle of friends and were known to light up any room that they entered with their gregarious natures and kindness. Jim was also a beloved leader and mentor wherever he and Tricia went, known for his wisdom, generosity, and ethical fortitude. The Masons' door was constantly open, and Jim loved bringing his family together around the dinner table - his favorite place to share stories, laughter, and lively discussions with those he loved the most. He had a gift for making others feel welcome, his laughter was contagious, and his friendships endured for decades.

Those who knew Jim will remember his quick wit, warm smile, and remarkable sense of humor. He loved to laugh, especially with his family. Jim was known for his honesty, tenacity, unwavering character, and unmistakable sophistication. He took great pride in these qualities and encouraged his three children to develop them as well. Many family members can still hear him reminding them to remember the two simple facts in life: "what goes up must come down" and "variety is the spice of life."

Jim found joy in life's simple pleasures. He loved spending time on the water at the beach, watching NY Yankees Baseball and Villanova Basketball and walking his beloved dogs (Tippie, Pickles, Tigger, Scamp and Beau). In his later years, he could be found challenging family and friends to games of "Words with Friends" and was known for his ability to conjure up unique and strange words. Though cognitive impairment and finally, cancer eventually limited those activities, it never diminished his appreciation for the ocean, his faith in God, or his deep love for animals, especially dogs.

Above all, Jim loved his large family. He was a devoted husband, proud father, loyal brother, and adoring grandfather. Nothing brought him greater happiness than spending time with those he loved, sharing stories, offering guidance and being their rock of wisdom. He was preceded in death by his parents, Norris and Agnes Mason, his sisters, Tissy (Patricia) and Nessie (Agnes) and his in-laws (Jim and Mollie). He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Tricia; his devoted brother, Richard and wife Ann; his gifted sister Noel; his adoring children, Jimmy, Tammy and Kimberly; their spouses, Whitney, John and Ryan; and his eight cherished grandchildren, Sofie, Will, Tristan, Lexi, Finn, RJ, Emery and Decky. He also leaves behind many dear friends and extended family members who were blessed by his kindness, generosity, and friendship.

Jim's legacy is one of love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to his family and country. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. A funeral service will be held at Saint Bridget Catholic Church in Richmond, Virginia at 11am on July 24, 2026. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in his honor to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.