James Masters Obituary

James E. Masters

May 26, 1935 -

July 12, 2025

James E. Masters, aged 90, of the South Central Community passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, July 12, 2025.

James was born May 26, 1935 to the late Dana and Linnie Bailey Masters. The youngest of three children, he was most certainly the typical baby of the family. For most of his life, spanning around 65 years, James was involved in the trucking business. Starting when he was 15, he would haul pallets and various materials to and from the Zinc mines in Embreeville, always reminding us that he worked for $2 an hour for him and the truck both. As he was making his way through the ranks, he hauled peppers and other various food products for Moody Dunbar, Inc. until 1999 when they moved their plant out of Chuckey. At this point, James went into business for himself and formed Masters Trucking Company, which was in business until just this year. During this time he hauled various commodities around the country, including tomatoes for Scott's Strawberry and Tomato Farms. He was highly committed to participating in day to day operations, even as his health declined.

James was an avid collector of many things. Guns, cars, and tractors just to name a few. He enjoyed "running the roads" as he called it, attending all of the grandchildren and great grandchildren's various sporting events, and mostly just being around family. He was a simple man that took pleasure in simple things. Like his chewing tobacco, even though he spilled more in the floor than he got in his mouth, or riding his new best friend "Bigfoot" (the Great Dane) around on his scooter, despite the fact that the dog had long ago outgrown the platform.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his loving wife of 68 years, Betty Freeman Masters; a sister, Helen "Taddy" Mathes; a brother, Henry Masters.

Those left behind to cherish his memory include: a daughter, Shelia Burgner and husband Roger; Granddaughters, Amber Burgner-Edwards and Husband Andy, Whitney Burgner-Lamb and Husband Tyson; Grandsons, Tyler Burgner (Shannon) and Braxton Burgner; Great Grandchildren, Blayke "Peanut" and Blayne "Goobie" Smith, Jaxon and Tylan Lamb, and Sofiah Rhea; nephews, Leo Mathes and Harmon "Doodie" Mathes (Ruth); Niece, MaryAnn Walser; as well as several other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral Services will be conducted Wednesday, July 16, 2025, 5:00pm from the chapel at Liberty Free Will Baptist Church, with Reverend John Buchanan officiating.

A Visitation period will begin at 2:00pm and continue until the service hour.

A graveside committal service will directly follow the funeral service in the Liberty Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery, 91 Guy Brown Road, Chuckey, TN 37614. Pallbearers will be selected from family and friends.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt "Thank You" to Alan Triplett for being a caretaker, chef, chauffer, and most importantly a friend during the last few years.