James Berry Masten

February 4, 1941 - May 22, 2020

James B. Masten, 79, of Tallula, Illinois, passed away at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield on Friday, May 22, 2020. He was born on February 4, 1941, the son of Ezra and Louanna (Woodrum) Masten, in Ashland, Illinois. He married Barbara Cox on September 8, 1958, in Springfield, Illinois. James was a member of the Tallula Christian Church, a member of the Ashland and Virginia Masonic Lodges, and a member of the IBEW Local 51 Labor Union for fifty-three years. He worked in high voltage electrical construction and retired from Ameren in 2006. He served two terms as the mayor of Tallula and worked hard to make improvements for the community. He loved gardening, was a big NASCAR fan and had a special love for his dogs. James is survived by his wife; three children, Melanie Masten of Ashland, Illinois, Kevin Masten of New Berlin, Illinois, and Todd (wife Rita) Masten of Petersburg; eight grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; and three sisters in law, Shirley Megredy, Marilyn Brown and Linda Hughes. James was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Warren Masten and Chester Masten; and four sisters, Mildred Zillion, Mary Reiken, Jeanne Wankel and Emma Lou Pettit. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2020 at 10 am at Greenwood Cemetery in Tallula, Illinois. Pastor Keith Masten will be officiating. Cremation rites were accorded by Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg. Memorial contributions in James’s name may be made to the Tallula BLS or the Menard County Animal Control, P.O. Box 163, Petersburg, IL 62675. Please visit hurleyfh.com to leave online condolences and share memories for the Masten family.