Irwin Gates Massie

Irwin Gates Massie, 84, of Jackson, Ohio, passed away peacefully the morning of October 24, 2024 overlooking the same Franklin Valley hills he admired for decades from his home on Four Mile Road. Irwin was notorious for the laughter he brought to any room he entered. Whether pulling pranks on friends and family, uncorking his patented one-liners, or telling far-flung tales to his hair salon customers, everyone who knew Irwin knew they’d smile in his presence. Born December 14, 1939, in Gallipolis, Ohio, Irwin is survived by his wife, Margaret J. (Peggy) Massie, son, Erik (Jenny) Massie, brother Fielding (Marti) Massie, grandsons Evan, Cole (Samantha), and Aidan Massie, all of Jackson, Sister in-law Carol Osborne of Palm Desert, CA, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Irwin spent his life working, a principle instilled in him and his brother by their parents, Barbara Gates Massie and Kermit Massie, who preceded Irwin in death. Irwin’s Hair Designers in downtown Jackson was a staple of the Main Street business community. While he was known and loved for his jokes and warm personality in the salon, what many people didn’t see was the behind-the-scenes effort it took to build and sustain his business success over those 30 years. Things like spending weekend mornings meticulously bookkeeping in the back bedroom and pulling all-nighters to keep flood waters from ruining the basement at his shop were the bedrock of his success. He passed on that strong work ethic to his son, Erik, who is President of Geiger Brothers in Jackson. Irwin balanced his work with a healthy amount of fun. He and his wife Peggy were instrumental in the building of Wagon Wheelers Hall, where they were members of the Wagon Wheelers Square Dance Club, and spent many nights dancing with friends throughout Southeastern Ohio. He bought, then sold, then bought again the exact same silver 1973 MG MGB convertible, which he enjoyed driving through the Jackson County countryside. Following in his father’s footsteps, Irwin also dabbled in fine woodworking and read hundreds of political thrillers and spy novels checked out from the Jackson City Library. He spent years looking after his 40-acre homestead, an effort that included setting a potential world record for total hours spent on a Grasshopper mower, waging a constant battle with gravity to keep the gravel on his driveway after a storm, and defending the property from woodpeckers, copper thieves, and uninvited fishermen. He was an avid golfer and member of Franklin Valley Golf Club, where he enjoyed weekly rounds with the same group of friends for many years. For better or worse, he passed on the game to his son, Erik, and three grandsons, Evan, Cole, and Aidan, and spent many summer mornings taking them out to Franklin Valley, before proudly watching all of them play golf for Jackson High School. Irwin also enjoyed traveling with Peggy, making many multi-week cross-country road trips to visit her sister and brother-in-law, Carol and Bart Osborne, in Southern California. In particular, he loved the American West, including Yellowstone National Park, the Rocky Mountains, and Moab, Utah. He and Peggy also spent several winters making annual trips to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where they built a strong friend group. Later in retirement, you could reliably find Irwin, each morning, sitting beside his wife on the banquette at The Spot on Main, owned by their daughter-in-law, Jenny Massie. Irwin’s hospitality will be missed by the staff and customers who grew accustomed to him opening doors, sipping on black coffee, and eating something sweet everyday at The Spot. Irwin was reliably early to every function, always gave a firm handshake, and loved dining out with friends and family. He gave decades of free haircuts to his wife, son, and grandsons, dutifully set up the Christmas decorations every winter, and made the same repeated jokes which will live with his family always. Most of all, Irwin loved and was loved immensely by his family, rarely communicated verbally, but communicated everyday through his actions and kindness. A private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers or cards, donations can be made in Irwin’s name to Jackson County Forward, a 501c3 whose mission is to improve the health and well being of the people who live in Jackson County, Ohio. Jackson County Forward, 2 E. Oak St., Jackson, OH 45640. Condolences may be sent to the family at: www.mayhew-brownfuneralhome.com

Irwin Gates Massie

December 14, 1939 - October 24, 2024