James Reynolds Masters' Obituary
JAMES REYNOLDS MASTERS, 91
LAKELAND - James R. 'Jim' Masters, 91, passed away on July 7, 2015.
He was born and raised in Richmond, KY. After a year and a half of college, WWII began and he was placed in the Army. After basic training, Jim was sent to England to prepare for the invasion of Normandy, France. He and many others made the initial 'D-Day' invasion on Omaha Beach. Jim received five battle stars on his European Theater of Operation ribbon. After serving two years in Europe during WWII he returned to the U.S. and resumed his education. On June 21, 1946, he married the love of his life, Freda Lee. On July 1, 1948, Jim was reverted to Active Duty and sent to Fort Bragg, NC, with the 82nd Airborne Division. Soon after, he was sent to Japan for 32 months and his wife Freda, was able to join him to spend the last half of his tour together. Upon returning to the U.S., Jim found employment with The Square D Electric Company as a fleet manager for the corporate trucking fleet. After retirement from Square D, and Freda's retirement from the Ohio Department of Education in Cincinnati, he and Freda moved to Lakeland, FL. In Lakeland, they both enjoyed golf, many social functions and Jim was very active in the Masonic Order. He was secretary of the lodge for many years and Master of the Lodge for one year. Jim was active in different Home Owner Associations and President of one Condo Assoc. He was very happy with the Group from the Pipe Store in Lakeland that had been in existence since the beginning of the lottery in Florida. A memorial service with Masonic rights will be conducted, Tuesday, 11 00am at Gentry Morrison Funeral Home, Southside Chapel, 1727 Bartow Rd. A graveside service with military honors will follow at 1 30pm, at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Good Shepherd Hospice, 3470 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland, FL, 33805.
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