James George Mascow

James (Jim) George Mascow, age 93, retired in Ocala, Florida in 1992, passed away on November 26th, 2025. He was born on May 22, 1932 in Chicago, Illinois, He was the first born and only son of George W. and Mae T. Mascow (Mijka) . His sister Jaqueline (Otis) preceded him in death.

He is also preceded by his son, Joseph Mascow and daughter, Christine M. Mascow.

Jim leaves behind to cherish his memory; his wife of over 70 years whom he loved and adored, Dorothea R. Mascow (nee Knapik); his son, Michael J. Mascow (Susanne); daughters, Carolyn J. Mascow, Teresa A. Carlson; five grandchildren Andrea Montesanti, Stephanie Maiorano (Christopher), Bryan King, Esq (Zoe), Alexander Mascow (Alyssa), and Dr. Alyssa Mascow (Adam Patterson); and nine great grandchildren, US Army Specialist Tyler Dee-Gordils (Jessie), Brianna Gordils, Cameron Gordils, Mia Concha, Kaden Maiorano, Cameron Maiorano, Greyson King, Addison King and Brynley Mascow.

US Army Corporal James G. Mascow proudly served his country from 1952-54 stationed in Berlin, Germany during the Korean War. He received Top Secret Clearance and attended the US Army Signal Corp training where he became a high-speed radio operator/cryptographer. He received an honorable discharge in 1960. 

After his active military service, Jim returned to Chicago in 1954 working with his father, a press foreman at Runkle-Thompson-Kovach Printing Company. Jim was promoted to the offset room to start his apprenticeship as a lithographer in 4-color separation (stripping) making color printing plates. He eventually became a journeyman and worked for 38 years as a "lithographic stripper" as a member of the GCIU (Graphic Communications International Union).

The majority of his career he was employed by Collins, Miller and Hutchings in Chicago. In the 1970's, CM&H asked him to step into a pivotal role for the company's future. Jim worked closely with software engineers from Gerber Scientific Instruments to pioneer the automation and digitizing of color print separation layout, that eventually led to "Computer-To- Plate (printing) in 1991 which revolutionized publishing technology. CM&H became the world's largest off-set printing company. Jim retired with Dorothea in April of 1992, just before his 60th birthday. 

Jim was faithful to God, his wife, family and worked as much overtime as he could to provide the best for them. They raised their family in Barrington, IL from 1958 - 1981, then moved to Winfield, IL in 1981 and retired in Ocala, FL.

He was a life-long Catholic; he and Dorothea were active parishioners at Queen of Peace Parish in Ocala where they served in many ways including their tireless efforts creating the St. Maria Goretti Home for Pregnant Women - a multi-denomination, pro-life alternative for unwed women offering a safe home to live, medical needs, meaningful career training and arrangement for adoption services to loving faith-based families.

Jim always did his own landscaping and home maintenance. Their homes were immaculate and the grounds resembled a beautiful park. Jim had always wanted to be an architect - he designed the first home they eventually built to retire in. Before they did, He created a 3D scale model of it complete with removable roof which revealed each room in detailed layout. That model sat on top of his TV during the final years of his career - he said it was there to remind him why he worked so hard. God blessed him with 32 years to enjoy retirement.

Jim also enjoyed a classic bourbon sweet Manhattan on the rocks. His son Mike fondly recalls commuter train rides home with his father after work; a "double-to-go" was a must as they hustled to catch their train.

He could strike up a conversation with anyone or sit quietly. Jim was a life-long Cubs, Bears, Bulls and Blackhawks fan. He had the distinct honor of watching each team achieve greatness at points along the way.

He is missed by those who loved and understood him - his wife, family, church and neighbors.

He wouldn't want us to weep, but rather, know that he lived a good, long life, he gave his all; He will always be remembered for being faithful, hard-working, loyal and honest. He kept his pain and sufferings mostly to himself, he was ready to meet God.

Funeral mass will be held on Dec 10th at 8:30 am at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Ocala. After mass, James will be entombed at Bushnell Cemetery in Bushnell, FL with a military honor ceremony. 

The fine people at Countryside Funeral Home have been entrusted with his final arrangements.