Jimmy Masterson

Jimmy Lee Masterson, 71, of Belle Chasse, La., died Saturday, Feb. 5, 2005, at Meadowcrest Hospital in Gretna, La.

He was born in New Madrid, Mo., son of Jack W. and Florence Masterson.

Masterson was a retired commercial diver at McDermott and an ironworker. He helped build the St. Louis Arch, Busch Stadium and the New Orleans and Crescent City connection bridges. He had lived in Belle Chasse the past 35 years. He was a member of Ironworkers Local 396.

He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War.

Survivors include his wife, Doris; two sons, Jimmy Masterson Jr. of Westwego, La., John Masterson of Sabattus, Maine; two daughters, Diana Masterson of Longview, Texas, Teresa Sosnowski of Gretna; a brother, Paul Masterson of Tennessee; four sisters, Geraldine Rogers of Cape Girardeau, Alice Barren of Loranger, La., Nadine Vent of New Madrid, Carolyn Vent of St. Louis; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, a brother and a grandson.

The funeral was Feb. 9 at First Pentecostal Church in New Orleans.

Thibodaux Funeral Service in New Orleans was in charge of arrangements.