Rev. James "Jimmy" A. Mass, Sr.

Rev, James Alexander Mass, transitioned from this earthly labor to his heavenly home Saturday, October 25, 2025.

Rev. James Mass, was born on April 26, 1941, in Youngstown, Ohio. The son of William and Owedas Robinson Mass. Rev. Mass was a 1959 graduate of The Rayen High School. He served in Us Navy from 1-31-1963 to 1-30-1965 receiving an Honorable Discharge. Rev. Mass was a supervisor at the B.O.C. plant, in Lordstown, Ohio. He had been employed there for 34 years. He retired from GM in August 2000.

He married the love of his life the former Phyllis Winkfield June 18, 1966, this union lasted 59 years. Rev. Mass was an avid bowler. He enjoyed fishing and playing several instruments.

Rev. Mass received his calling into the Ministry in January 1974, He served in the capacity of Deacon at the Metropolitan Baptist Church in Youngstown, Ohio, He was licensed on October 26, 1975. He became interim Pastor of Gethsemane Baptist Church in June 1979 and was ordained November 30, 1979. He served as Pastor of Gethsemane Baptist Church faithfully for 48 years. On February 28, 1980 he performed his first marriage ceremony at General Motors Plant.

He leaves to mourn his passing, but celebrate his life and legacy, his beloved wife, the former Phyllis Winkfield of Jonesboro, Georgia, his daughter, Octavia Barker of Jonesboro, Georgia, his son, James Mass Jr. of Youngstown, Ohio; his sister, Rev. Dr. Patricia (Eddie) Sampson of Plymouth, Minnesota, Nicole Duell whom he helped raise, and goddaughter, Alexandria Duell both of Daleville, Virginia. Grandchildren, Brian Keith Rainey II, Takeyona Monaye Rainey. Great- Grand Children DeQuavius “DJ” Wise Jr., Skylar Lee Taylor, Brian Keith Rainey III, Lisa Estella Rainey, All of Georgia. He leaves two sisters-in-law, Ms. Sandra Love of Girard, Ohio, Jacalyn Turner of Daleville, Virginia, two brother-in-law, Walter Winkfield of Boardman, Ohio, and Ronnie Atkins of Dunwoody, Georgia, niece Machelle Rhodes of Liberty, Ohio, nephews, Charles Rhodes Jr. of Youngstown, Ohio, and Perry “Jasper” Braxton Jr. of Hobbs, New Mexico. Niece, Linda Long who was his caregiver of Austintown, Ohio.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Marian Braxton; brothers-in-, Charles Rhodes Sr, Alfonso Turner, Rev. Michael Cox, Joseph Winkfield Jr.; and sister-in-law Rosetta Atkins. He leaves a host of Relatives and Friends.

Visitation will be Friday, November 14, 2025 from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home, 1003 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd, SW,  Atlanta, GA 30310. A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home.

Live stream the day of the service at:  www.williewatkins.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rev. James "Jimmy" A. Mass, Sr., please visit our floral store.