James "Big Jimmy" C. Massey Sr.

'Jimmy the Rigger' It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, James "Big Jimmy" C. Massey Sr. He passed on June 7, 2025, at the age of 78 at home surrounded by his family. Few times in life are we blessed enough to know a man with the kindness and stature that Jimmy had. He was a hard-working and devoted father, a loving Da (Grandpa), and a giving friend who never failed to put a smile on someone's face. He was the nicest man you could ever meet and would give someone the shoes right off his feet (and we have seen him do it). His family moved from Cabin Creek, West Virginia to Chicago, Illinois. He graduated in 1965 from Senn High School in Chicago, Illinois. Jimmy most recently lived in Hobart, Indiana, was formerly of Aurora, Illinois but was a long-time resident of Chicago, Illinois. He was born in Charleston, West Virginia to James Edward and Naomi Francis Massey (nee Petry), who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Sharon Kay Massey, and many aunts and uncles including Macel (Petry) and Frank Bradley as well as bonus-grandson, Michael Hinchley. Jimmy was in the Air Force from 1966-1972 stationed at Craig Air Force Base near Selma, Alabama where he was an airplane mechanic. He was the best damn rigger in the nation and loved what he did. There wasn't an industrial sewing machine or washer out there too complex for him to move or anywhere he couldn't make it work. Jimmy is survived by his children, Cynthia (fiancé Dane Cummins) Hirsch of Glendale Heights, IL; Jamie Connors (Will) of Hobart, IN; Jimmy (Tina) Massey Jr. of Hanna, IN; Jen (Rob) Lemke of Portage, IN; and Tyler Massey of Lake Zurich, IL, his grandchildren, Thomas Hirsch, Abbey Connors, and Rose Lemke; bonus-grandchildren Devin Connors, Stacy Gomez, and Bryanna Todosijvic; his caring friends (ex-wives) Ivette Demkovich and Cynthia Durall; 3 bonus-great grandchildren, and everyone that was ever lucky enough to have gotten to talk to Jimmy for any length of time. Jimmy loved to deer hunt, he loved cars and guns, and he loved the ladies! There will be a Celebration of Jimmy's Life held on Sunday, June 29, 2025, from 1:00pm to 5:00pm at the Barrington Ridge Clubhouse located at 780 Bracken Parkway in Hobart, Indiana 46342. He touched the lives of all he met, and our Dad really was and always will be remembered as 'The Legend'! Burns Funeral Home & Crematory entrusted with arrangements. www.BurnsFuneral.com