James Edward Masterson

James Edward Masterson, Jr., known to all who loved him as “Geege,” died on October 4, 2026 peacefully at home in Wisconsin with his family by his side. He was born on June 21,1941, in Evanston, Illinois. Loving husband to Elaine (Dumich) Masterson. Proud father of Maggie (Priscilla), Jim (Beth), Amy and Katie Masterson. Sweet and silly grandfather to Emelia, Aidan and Phineas Gleber and Vera, Bella, Maeve, Seamus and Mickey Masterson.

Geege was intelligent with a razor sharp wit and lightning fast sense of humor. A normally quiet and thoughtful man, he could change the energy in the room in the blink of an eye. With a well-timed pun, amusing story, or hilarious anecdote, he brought joyous laughter to otherwise awkward or stressful situations. Anyone caught in his wake was not safe from fits of giggles or bubbling hysterics. He had a gift. He also had a terrific singing voice, and he sang like he joked, getting the crowd to sing along, catching everyone up in his music.

A born storyteller, Geege graduated from Georgetown University with aspirations to become an English teacher but decided to join the family business, Hackney’s Restaurants, instead. He was the owner and general manager of the Wheeling location for over 40 years. Even there, his natural ability to teach shone through. He might help you with your poetry homework while you were waiting on tables. He was loyal and kind, a good listener, a fierce friend and a snazzy dancer. He saw the human in everyone he met and he knew how to enjoy his time with them.

Services will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Glenview, IL on Saturday, October 10, 2026. Visitation is from 9.30 a.m. with Mass following at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America at https://alzfdn.org/donate/ would be gratefully appreciated.

Nitardy Funeral Home – Whitewater has been entrusted with James’ care.