James Anthony Masters

James Anthony Masters, born December 1, 1951, in Akron Ohio, passed away on Sunday February 1, 2026 at his home in Cuyahoga Falls, surrounded by his loving family. He fought to the very end to spend as much time as he could on this earth with his wife of 54 years, Deborah Lee Masters (Thomas) and his six children: James T. Masters (wife Sarah Masters and children James and Kate), Andrew Masters (wife Megan Masters and daughters Presley and Olivia), Maggie Masters (fiancée Jason Stypick), Teresa Masters (fiancée Harvey Logsdon and son Colt Logsdon), Sarah Milluzzi (husband Vince Milluzzi), and Gracie Masters (wife Dominique Bonamase and son Alex Rodriguez).

It is fitting that Jim left this earth surrounded by family. He was an insurance salesman for many years, a faithful believer in Christ, a core member of his church, and a proud member of the Italian American community, but he would have told you that his most proud accomplishment was being a son, brother, father, and most of all, a grandfather. Debbie was the love of his life (and he is still the love of hers), and his kids and grandkids were his greatest joy. Whether it was trekking through the snow to find a Christmas tree, throwing a baseball in the backyard to his kids, playing in the pool with the grandkids, or grilling on the back porch, he was the center of every family activity and the glue that held us all together.

Jim is survived by his four sisters: Kathy (Don), Amy (Bob), Marie (Mark), and Melissa (Skip), his sister-in-law Kathie, brother-in-law Denny (Myra), sister-in-law Terri (Scott), and his seventeen nieces and nephews, who will mostly remember him as Uncle Jimmy.

He will be greeted in heaven by his brother John, his parents James and Deloris, his daughter Lori, and countless other loving relatives that will now get to walk with him again, cheer on the Buckeyes, sit by the pool, talk politics, and sing along to his favorite musicals, opera, and oldies.

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am, you may be also.” (John 14:1-3). Jim is at peace, living without pain, and we know he will be waiting for his family when the time comes for God to reunite us with him.

An informal gathering of family and friends will be held at Relentless Church, 1878 Killian Rd, Akron, OH, 44312 on Saturday, February 14th. We will remember the life and legacy of Jim with a short message from the Word of God at 2:00 PM, followed by light snacks, music, and fellowship until 4:00 PM. We invite all who knew and loved Jim to come.