James Raleigh Masterson, Jr., who resided in Fort Smith, Arkansas, lost his fight with illness Monday, January 30, 2012 in Fort Smith. He was born February 8, 1933 in Sebastian County to the late James R. Masterson, Sr. and Lennie (Pruett) Masterson. He was 78 years old.

He was also preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Patsy Masterson and one niece, Suzanne Kizer.

James was founder and former owner of Wire Products Inc. and H&S Plastics. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and member of the Union Baptist Church.

Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, February 2nd at Brotherton Funeral Home Chapel in Charleston, with Rev. Curtis Smithson officiating. Burial will be at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Charleston, under the direction of Brotherton Brothers Funeral Home in Charleston.

He is survived by his wife, Carol (Graham) Masterson; one sister, Jeri Kizer and husband Sam of Alma; one brother, Jack Masterson and wife Zilda of Lavaca; seven nieces and nephews, Sandra Jones, Russell Masterson, Dusty King, Misty Dobson, James Benjamin Masterson, Candace Collins, and Sam Kizer, II.

Pallbearers will be his nieces and nephews.

Honorary pallbearers will be John B. Hobbs, Paul Hamilton, and Ralph Lewis.

Family will visit with friends 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday night at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Union Baptist Church.

To pay an online tribute, please visit www.brothertonbrothersfuneralhomes.com.