James "Jim" Robert Mason

James "Jim" Robert Mason, age 79, of Rockholds, KY, passed away on Thursday, July 2, 2026, in Lexington, KY.

Born in Faber, KY, he was the son of the late Walker Mason and Georgia Harris Mason. Jim was a man of many talents who spent his life working with his hands. He owned and operated Jen Tina Coal Mine and was a skilled mechanic, as well as an accomplished auto and heavy truck painter. There seemed to be nothing he couldn't repair, and he genuinely enjoyed the challenge of fixing things. Whether he was working in the coal mines or turning a wrench in the garage, Jim took pride in a hard day's work.

Jim was a humble man who loved the Lord. Whenever he was able, he attended Blessed Hope Baptist Church and lived his life with a servant's heart. Away from work, he found his greatest peace outdoors. He loved horseback riding through the mountains, caring for his horses, and growing the family farm. Whether it was raising chickens, goats, or any other animal that found its way to the farm, Jim was always eager for the next adventure. One of his favorite stories came after his granddaughter, Leslie, gave him a rooster named "Foghorn." Jim often laughed as he told others that he had "shot that rooster seven times, and it still walked off into the woods," a story that became part of the family's cherished memories and perfectly reflected his sense of humor.

He also enjoyed listening to Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings with his beloved wife, Diana. More than anything, Jim treasured every moment spent with his daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Burt Mason, Jerry Mason, Ray Mason, Bruce Mason, and Bill Mason; sister, Jane Pickett; grandson, James Dewayne Brewer; great-grandchildren, Kara Margaret Bunch, Maximus Earls, and Josiah Taylor; and the mother of his children, Margaret Monhollen.

He is survived by his loving wife, Diana Mason; daughters, Shanda Love, Josetta Lovett, Melissa Bennett, Tina Mullins, and Jeannie Brewer; grandchildren, Tiffany Prewitt (Bryan), Amy Dye, Robert Love, Anna Brock (DJ), Ashley Love, Leslie Lovett, Samantha Reeves, Jessica Brewer, Natasha Bush (Jake), and Brandon Bennett (Takuma); great-grandchildren, Hailey Anders, Taylor Anders, Waylon Prewitt, Austin Dye, Zoe Dye, Bentley Dye, Carter Dye, Hannah Bunch, Conner Bunch, Maci Peace, Lillie Bush, Lucy Bush, Trenton Love, Mason Taylor, Rayleigh Earls, Keegan Brock, Johnathon Sharp, and Jackson Sharp; great-great-grandchild, Aceton Warfield; and many extended family members and friends who will cherish his memory.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home. His funeral service will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 6, 2026, at the funeral home with Rev. Jimmy Logan officiating. 

Burial will follow at Smith Cemetery in Faber, KY.

Arrangements are entrusted to Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home. Messages of condolence may be written to the family at vankirkgrisellfuneralhome.com.

"The mountains are calling, and I must go."