Jimmy Masterson

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

He was born April 15, 1933, in New Madrid, Mo., son of Jack Watt Jackson and Florence Mast Masterson. He and Doris Harris were married Sept. 1, 1956, in New Madrid.

Masterson was a retired commercial diver at McDermott and an ironworker. He helped build Busch Stadium and the St. Louis Arch. He helped put the final portion of the arch in place. He helped build 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 Conflict.

Survivors include his wife; two sons, Jimmy Lee Masterson Jr. of Westwego, La., John Patrick Masterson of Sabattus, Maine; two daughters, Diana Black of Longview, Texas, Teresa Sosnowski of Gretna; a brother, Paul David Masterson of Murfreesboro, Tenn.; four sisters, Geraldine Rodgers of Cape Girardeau, Alice Maxine Barron 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, an infant son, a sister, two brothers 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.