James Masters, of Newberry, died September 14, 2021. Born in Newberry County, June 30, 1940, he was the son of the late Jim and Louise B. Masters. James was born with the challenge of poor eyesight, but with the help of his mother and the Lord, he made the best of what he had and lived a full life. After graduating Newberry High School, James left home at his father's request and began finding his way. He was able to find a place to live and to work with Whitaker Funeral Home when he was hired by then owner, Roy Doggett Whitaker, Sr. James found meaning in the work, driving ambulances (in this era funeral homes, rather than hospitals, served as the community's ambulance service) and helping with the many duties of operating a funeral home. He later graduated from Newberry College, while working as a delivery driver for the Newberry Observer and other newspapers. After college, he began work at Shakespeare in the engineering department. He later had to leave this role due to health challenges. Eventually, he was able to return to work at Chemstrand in Greenwood, where he would work until his eyesight no longer allowed him to do so. Very industrious despite his challenges, James ultimately went into business for himself, installing satellite dishes, a novelty at the time which allowed customers to receive far away television stations as well as local ones. It was during this time that Mickey Jones would come to work for James, becoming friends for life, and looking out for one another until James' death. James died peacefully at Laurens County Hospice House, after a hard-fought battle with cancer, and is at rest with his Mom and Dad and with his Lord. A simple graveside inurnment will be held on Saturday, November 6, 2021, 11:30 am at Newberry Memorial Gardens. All are welcome to attend. Memories and condolences may be shared here on James' Tribute Wall. Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to assist the family.