James Charles Mastee's Obituary
Mr. James Charles “Jim” Mastee, age 76, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at Trinity Health St. Mary’s in Grand Rapids, Michigan, while valiantly battling a recurrence of Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). His welcoming spirit, kind heart, open arms, and big smile will be missed by all who knew him. He was born in Muskegon, Michigan on September 23, 1948 to Leo and Genevieve (Zuber) Mastee. Jim graduated from Muskegon Catholic Central High School and later earned a degree from Michigan State University, before serving in the U.S. Army Reserve. While in school, he played saxophone and performed with the Polkateers band. On May 6, 1972, Jim married his beloved wife, Jean Marie Baker, in Muskegon. For over 30 years, Jim owned and operated ASET Corporation, a successful information systems business, before retiring. He then transitioned to a career in real estate with Greenridge Realty. Jim was a lifelong, devoted parishioner of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church. He served the church community as a lector and parish council member. Since the parish’s Divine Mercy Chapel opened in 1999, Jim and his wife were also committed to a weekly prayer time in the Perpetual Adoration Chapel. Beyond his professional pursuits, Jim was a member of the Polish Union and a member and past-president of the Serra Club of Greater Muskegon. He enjoyed spending summers at his cottage on West Lake and wintering in Florida and Hawaii, often seeking out new coffee shops during his travels. Throughout his life, Jim loved his family and was deeply dedicated to his children, always supporting their pursuits and offering encouragement. While they were growing up, he helped to coach football and attended countless other sporting events, concerts, and recitals. Jim also enjoyed music, motorcycles, grilling, and campfires, and had a knack for being able to fix just about anything. He was the family photographer who chronicled countless gatherings with pictures now cherished by all. Most important, though, was Jim’s strong faith, trust in God, and desire for others to know Jesus, supported by his renewed commitment to daily praying the Rosary with his wife. He will be deeply missed by his beautiful wife of 52 years, Jean; their three children, Brian (Laura McCormick) Mastee, Rebecca Mastee, and Elizabeth (Chris) Bouza; four grandchildren, Lauren and Jacob Mastee and Genevieve and Milena Bouza; his brother, John (Jill) Mastee; brother-in-law, James (Teresa) Baker; sisters-in-law, Marge Kramer, Cathy Fleissner, and Mary (Jason) Kleinsorge; and his many nieces and nephews who were all special to him. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother and sister-in-law, Ted and Nancy Mastee; nephew, Dan Mastee; and his in-laws, Francis and Madeline Baker, as well as Caroline Baker. VISITATION will be held from 4-7 PM Thursday, March 13, 2025 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444 with the ROSARY prayed at 4:00 PM. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be celebrated by Fr. Steve Geerling, with Fr. Charlie Hall concelebrating, at 11:00 AM Friday, March 14, 2025 at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, corner of Sixth and Dale in Muskegon. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery. MEMORIALS in memory of Jim may be directed to the Divine Mercy Adoration Chapel at St. Michaels. You may sign his online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com
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