Obituary of James Robert Masker

James Robert Masker

James Robert (Jim) Masker, 67, a longtime resident of Campbell Hall, New York, passed away on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 from pancreatic cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family and friends.

Jim was born on April 7, 1956, at the Fort Ord Military Base, Fort Ord, California, to James Robert Masker, Sr. and Nancy (Van Dellen) Masker. Jim graduated from Ramsey High School, Ramsey, NJ in 1974 where he was a triathlete in the sports of football, wrestling, and track and field. Jim was awarded a full scholarship to play football at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After college, he bought a ServPro franchise which started him on a career path in facilities management. After selling ServPro, Jim held positions at AMG and Sweeney and Associates. He then moved back into facilities management working for LA Fitness, Citibank and most recently Capital One. In addition to his strong work ethic, he had a passion for coaching and teamwork. Almost every aspect of Jim’s life could be related to sports. He coached in Goshen for the GYFCL for 10 years, bringing his team to many super-bowl wins. But what Jim loved the most was spending time with all his children, whether at a lacrosse game, cheerleading competition, football game or Odyssey of the Mind. He was a proud and loving father who taught his children kindness and perseverance, and was the best mentor and role model anyone could ask for. Another passion of Jim’s was to help individual athletes achieve and exceed their personal goals for their sport; he never gave up on anything or anyone. His dedication to fitness and commitment to a healthy lifestyle was evidenced by his daily workout routine which he did with his children at Granite Barbell, in Campbell Hall, NY.  His personal trainer Brett and his workout partner Rich helped him start his days with a strong workout and big smile.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, James Robert Masker, Sr

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Alanna (Buckley) Masker; sons James, Christopher and Colin and his daughter Brynn. He is also survived by his mother Nancy Masker, of Florence, AZ, his sisters Kim Masker of Portland, OR, Janice Marino and her husband Ed of Florence, AZ, Keith Masker and his wife Deborah of Wyckoff, NJ, and Ken Masker and his wife Karen of Atlanta, GA. He is also survived by his many nieces, and nephews who he cherished dearly: Rory and Rio Greenshields, Billy and Jack Buckley, Jennifer Petralia, Kristen, Corinne and Nick Marino, Dustin and Madison Masker, Johnice Masker, Jamie and Jordan Masker, and his great-nephews Rocco Petralia and Jayden Masker. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Bill Buckley and sister-in-law Raegan Buckley, and his best friend for over 50 years Bonnie Inserra. Jim spent every single day dedicated to his family and the depth of his love could easily be seen in his eyes. During his last days he said he wouldn’t change a thing about his life, that he had found what true love was with Alanna and that their life together was the greatest gift of all. In the end Jim continued to help others by donating his corneas to give someone the gift of sight.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Donovan Funeral Home, 82 South Church Street, Goshen, NY. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, June 6 from 4-7 PM. A funeral mass will take place on June 7, at 10 AM, at St. John the Evangelist, 71 Murray Avenue, Goshen, NY. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations for the St. Therese Classical Academy can be made online: https://stcacademy.org/donate (https://stcacademy.org/donate) or mailed to STCA, 3348 State Route 208, Building 2, Campbell Hall, NY 10916.