James Mason

James M. Mason, 77, of Viroqua died on Thursday, November 3, 2011 at Vernon Memorial Hospital in Viroqua. Jim was born in La Crosse on February 14, 1934 to Elmer and Petra (Johnson) Mason. On July 2, 1958 he was united in marriage to Darleen Happ at St. Pauls Lutheran Church in La Crosse where he was also confirmed. Jim taught in the Viroqua Area School district from 1956 until 1993. He was physical education and drivers education teacher from 1956 until 1993. In 1961 Jim began his career as head baseball coach and held that position until he retired. He served as athletic director from 1970 until 1993. He was head football coach six years; in addition. Jim was SWAL Athletic Conference Executive Secretary from 1973 until 1987. During his career Jim earned several professional honors. He was inducted into the Baseball Coaches of Wisconsin Hall of Fame in 1986, named Coach of the Year-District III in 1983 and 1993 and earned the title Athletic Director of the Year-District III in 1980. He was a member of the Wisconsin Athletic Directors Association. National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association, Wisconsin Baseball Coaches Association and Wisconsin Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association. He was also a lifetime member of NEA and WEA. Jim graduated from La Crosse Central High School in 1952 where he played football, basketball and baseball for three years and earned eight letters. He was named Athlete of the year in 1952. He attended the University of Wisconsin La Crosse graduating in 1956. While at UW-L Mason played football earned four varsity letters and All Conference in 1955. He also played in the 1954 Cigar Bowl. In addition Jim played baseball and earned four varsity letters. James is survived by his wife Darleen Mason; sons J. Daniel of New York, NY, and Scott Mason of Richardson, TX; grandson Zachary; sister Joan Everson of La Crosse; brother John (Carlene) Mason of Owatanna, MN; nieces Cindy Busch, Mary Ivalis; nephews Mark and Mike Everson. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Viroqua. The Reverends Lindsay Paul Jordan and Margaret Eiben Hoversten will officiate with burial in the Viroqua Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m. on Monday at the Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home, 123 W. Decker (hwy 56) in Viroqua, and also at the church on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 11. In Lieu of flowers or plants, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Excellence in Education Wall of Recognition Scholarship Fund at the Viroqua Area Schools or Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family