Jamie was born May 27, 1953 in Greensboro, NC to Herbert James McMasters, Sr. and Betty Jo Irby. He we preceded in death by both of his parents along with older sister Sandra McMasters Townson and her husband, James. Surviving is his brother, Larry (Linda) and his devoted sister, Donna, and his many nieces and nephews he loved as his own. His sister-in-law, Lisa Thomas Smith (Dennis) of Greer SC and their children and grandchildren and his brother-in-law, Chuck Thomas (Nancy) and their daughter and grandchildren.
Jamie’s greatest joy was his family and he worked hard his whole life to make sure they were all taken care of and protected to the best of his ability. No matter the relationship, he loved you.
When Jamie was twelve years old, he was led to the Lord by his Sunday School teacher, Cliff Wilson at Vacation Bible School at the old Bessemer Baptist Church. Jamie never forgot Cliff and the gift he received through Cliff’s guidance.
After two years of dating, on November 18, 1972, Jamie married the one true love of his life, Cindy Thomas McMasters. From this marriage came the first of his blessings, their children, Jason McMasters (April) of Pilot Mountain and Melissa McMasters Simonz (Mark) of Kernersville. When the grandkids came on the scene, Jamie would tell the kids, “If we had them first, we wouldn’t have needed y’all”. They will continue to be Pawpaw and Granny/Ringy’s pride and joy: Bo, Hunt, Colt, and Kimber Grace McMasters and Fisher, Foster and Fielder Simoniz. Kids, you stand strong and remember what Pawpaw always told you about Jesus every chance he got. Leave a good legacy and help everybody you can in love and kindness. He’s waiting on us! Don’t disappoint him.
Jamie was proud of his upbringing in the Bessemer community and the lifelong friends he made while attending Bessemer Elementary and Junior High, Aycock Junior High and Page High School where he graduated in 1971.
His career in construction began shortly after he was married and continued until three weeks before his passing. Jamie spent twenty-seven years with J. D. Skidmore and the past twenty-two years as his own boss.
There were many roles and hats Jamie wore over the years. For fifty years, he delighted young and old alike as the Jolly Old Man in the red suit at churches, homes, daycares, schools and anywhere else someone needed joy.
In 2020, following forty years living in Browns Summit, Jamie and Cindy moved to Reidsville and began attending Gospel Baptist Church where he joined during Covid. Prior to this, they had attended Lebanon Baptist Church for thirty years. It was at Lebanon Baptist Church where he was able to serve the Lord and the people in many, many capacities and people of all ages. When he stood for something, Jamie stood strong, and he made sure everyone knew where he stood. That fiery redhead was a gentle giant and only a few ever witnessed the other side of Jamie. Those that did witness the fieriness will never forget it.
On Saturday, November 5, 2022, you left us for a short while, but we love you Babe, Pops, Big Daddy, Daddy, and Pawpaw. We will see you soon for another one of your big bear hugs and grins and an “I love You”. Oh, what a glorious day!
Donations may be made in Jamie’s memory to AuthoraCare Greensboro, 2500 Summit Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27405 or do a simple kindness for someone you love or even a stranger unaware.
A memorial service will be 2:00 PM Saturday, November 12, 2022 at Gospel Baptist Church, 5945 N. Church Street, Greensboro, NC 27455
George Brothers Funeral Service
###
