James Massey

James “J.R.” Massey, 93, of Osceola, IN, passed away on Tuesday, January 30, 2018, at River Ridge Retirement Village in Niles. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2018, at 11am at the First General Baptist Church, 11101 McKinley Hwy, Osceola, IN, with Pastor Neal Davis officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 10am until time of service on Saturday, February 3, 2018, at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the First General Baptist Church. Those wishing to leave a condolence online may do so at www.clarkch.com. J.R. was born on June 29, 1924, to Bob & Maggie (Pruett) Massey in St. James, AR. He graduated from high school in 1942, directly from graduation he was drafted into the Army serving in Germany and England until he was honorably discharged during WWII. J.R. married Virginia Blassingame on January 20, 1967 in Dowagiac. He worked for Olivers Farm Equipment on the assembly line and fork lift for over 30 years. J.R. also served as a union representative fighting for fairness and safety. J.R. was a member of First General Baptist Church where he also attended bible study. He was Ham radio certified and enjoyed talking to family and friends over his radio. J.R. was a wonderful man who loved to spend time with his family, teasing and entertaining them with his sense of humor. J.R. is survived by his wife Virginia of Osceola; children, Judy Christner of Elkhart, Rae (Robert) Zavor of Mishawaka; step-daughter Brenda Bergemann of Niles; six grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. J.R. was preceded in death his parents; stepson Roger D. Scott; brother Oris Massey; and sons-in-law, George Christner and Russ Bergemann.