Emiddio Massa, Jr.

Emiddio Massa, Jr. died on June 11, peacefully, in his home in Vida, Oregon. Early in his life Emiddio quickly demonstrated his attraction to and lifelong association with the ocean. Emiddio quickly became known as ‘JR’ and with that, his family, friends and associates loved and admired the one, the only…..JR.

As an adventuresome fifth grader it was quite normal to see JR walking to his favorite pond for an afternoon of fishing and returning proudly with his catch of the day. As a teen, he acquired his first boat, rebuilt it in his father’s driveway and spent every possible hour on the water with his fishing friends. Also as a teen JR became an accomplished ocean diver adding many a Southern Californian underwater delicacy to his sport fishing catch. It was now fully evident that salt water was in his veins to stay.

Following academic success at the University of California, San Diego, JR entered to the sport fishing world with his own charter boat and became a respected skipper on the Point Loma waterfront. What followed was a lifetime at sea in commercial and private endeavors highlighted by captaining Alaskan fishing boats, large oil rig supply ships globally, environmental response and emergency vessels offshore California and large safety tugboats. JR was a rugged outdoors-man with frequent hunting and fishing adventures all over the world.

JR was a committed bachelor until, later in life, he met the love of his life. Cupid’s arrow hit him hard and he built a life with beautiful Lynn. Theirs was an epic love story. Simply put, he believed that she made him complete. Their dedication to each other and love of their life together was a beacon to all who knew him. Her loss, three years before his passing, left an enormous unfillable hole for all that knew “Lynnie”. JR was a man of deep and lifelong friendships. He was quick to offer personal help to those who both asked for it and those who were reluctant to impose. JR is survived by family and friends who will miss him deeply and desperately.

In lieu of flowers, should you wish to remember JR, please make a donation in his name to McKenzie Fire and Rescue. Their contact information is 541.896.3311 at 42870 McKenzie Highway Leaburg, Oregon 97489.