James “Jim” Mason, Sr., 88, passed away on Oct. 5, 2020. Jim was born in Foreman, Ark. on July 28, 1932 to Raymond and Hopie Mason.
He married Vedia Miller in DeQueen, Ark. on Dec. 4, 1952. In July 1985, they moved from Colon, Neb. to Durant.
Jim was of the Baptist faith and he retired from the Army after 26 and a half years. He fought in Korea and Vietnam and was stationed in Germany. During his service he earned the following commendations: Good Conduct Medal 8th award, 5 O S bars, Bronze Star with two oak leaf clusters, Presidential Unit Citation (Korea) , Korean Service Medal, UN Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Army Occupation Medal (Germany), Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Presidential Unit Citation(Navy), Sharpshooter/M14, UN Defensive, UN Offensive and CCF Intervention. 
Jim is preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Hopie Mason and his daughter Rayma L. McMnamy.
Jim is survived by his wife Vedia Mason of the home; his daughters, Vicki Mason and husband Charles Kayser of Goldvein, Va., Barbara Mason of Denison, Texas, Donna Penland and husband Tommy of Geronimo, Okla.: son, James Mason Jr. and wife Ann of Virginia Beach, Va. as well as 10 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
The family has selected cremation with services to follow. Services are under the direction of Brown’s Funeral Service of Durant.