James Mason, age, 97, of Stratford, passed away on Sunday, July 16, 2017 in his home. James, a retired inspector for Jenkins Valve Company was born in Bridgeport on February 26, 1920 to the late John J. and Emma L. (Hofmiller) Mason and has been a life long area resident. He was a WW II Army veteran having served in the Pacific Theater during the Island campaigns, most notably Iwo Jima. Among his awards were the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and two citations. . In addition to his parents, James was pre-deceased by his brothers, Gerald P. Mason and John F. (Jack) Mason, and a sister, Margaret DeLorme.   Survivors include his sister, Shirley Pyatak of Stratford, care giver and niece, Melissa Sosnoski, nieces, Maureen Mason, Catherine Prinner; nephews, Jack Mason, Robert Somers, Patrick Mason, John (Bud) Pyatak, Daniel Pyatak, James Dwyer, Jr and numerous other nieces and nephews.   A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, July 21 ^st at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of Grace Church 497 Second Hill Lane Stratford. Inurnment will follow in St. Michael's Cemetery Stratford. Friends may call on Friday from 9:45 –10:45 a.m. in the Adzima Funeral Home 50 Paradise Green Place Stratford. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make donations in memory of James to the Stratford Historical Society 967 Academy Hill Rd Stratford, CT 06615.