C.J. “Joe” Mason
C.J. “Joe” Mason age 80, of Quincy died on Friday, January 13, 2023 in his home.
Joe was born October 24, 1942, in Russellville, AR, a son of Loyd and Josie (Davis) Mason. He married Barbara A. Uhll on June 7, 1969, at St. Ann Catholic Church near Lansing, IL, and she survives.
Joe was a professor at Quincy College from 1970 until his retirement in 1985. He was instrumental in getting the very first radio station established at Quincy College.
He attended the University of Illinois Champaign, where he received his undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Joe was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church. He had taught Enrichment Courses at St. Peter and was active on the committee that considered and helped plan the construction of the Narthex at the church.
His other memberships include the Breakfast Optimist Club of which he had served as President. He was a member and president of the Board for the West Central Illinois Center for Independent Living.
For many years he was known for his involvement in youth sports, coaching and organizing baseball, basketball, and flag football teams. Having been a youth baseball player himself, his lifelong passion was teaching kids the love of the game.
Joe coached his sons’ teams starting with T-ball, through the Quincy Park District Leagues and on to Pony League. He built, owned and operated The Batting Cage. With the help of the Breakfast Optimist Club, local volunteer coaches and interested parents, he created a thriving baseball program for teenagers interested in the sport. He was featured in the Quincy Herald Whig’s Heroes Among Us column, where Joe was described as “a quiet, guiding force making sure summer baseball is available to as many kids as possible. It didn’t matter what school they attended, and it didn’t matter if they could hit a curveball. The important thing was providing an opportunity to play”.
In addition to his wife, Barbara, survivors include two sons, Michael G. Mason and his wife Michelle of Olathe, KS; Thomas R. Mason and his wife Meagan of Quincy.
Four grandchildren: Kenzie and Lucas Mason of Quincy; Zack and Maddy Mason of Olathe, KS. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services for C.J. “Joe” Mason will be on Friday, January 20, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. at Duker & Haugh Funeral Home with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of St. Peter with Monsignor Leo Enlow, celebrant. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to and Blessing Foundation for Hospice and Quincy Park District Foundation for the Youth Baseball Program.
Messages may be shared with the Mason Family online at www.dukerandhaugh.com
I was honored to come to know Joe through the Optimist Club. He provided the Club with great insights and inspiration. Joe was a doer not just a talker.
Godspeed Joe.
I was so sad to hear of Joes passing. He was a true friend of mine. I knew him most as we were both members of the Optimist Club of Quincy. He served as secretary of the Club for many years. He overcame the ability to walk with the strength of his determination. I am now a member of the Belleville Optimist Club in Illinois. My prayers go to Joe and his Family.
What a great guy! Always helpful. I enjoyed working with Joe at QU. My condolences to his family.
Joe was an early mentor to me and instrumental in beginning my career 56 years ago. He was a kind and generous friend.
Barb, I am so sorry for your loss.
Mary Ellen Davis
We know you have lots of happy memories that will stay with you forever. You’re in our thoughts and prayers during this time of sadness. Wish we were there with you.
Much love and sympathy from Joe & Sharon
Barb, Michael, and Tom. I was so saddened to hear of Joe’s passing. I can’t even begin to imagine how many hours I was Blessed to have spent with him as the QND baseball coach and a summer employee at the Batting Cage. Joe was THE primary reason we were able to greatly improve our teams at QND and QHS with his dedication and drive to start the summer baseball programs. He was indeed an “Angel on Earth” for 100’s of Quincy baseball players. I will pray that God grants you the strength you need to get through the days ahead and that HE will fill your hearts with only the great memories you created, and shared with Joe. God Bless.
Praying for the family. Sat by Joe often at Sprouts during BOC meetings. Great guy