K. Fielding Massie

K. Fielding Massie, age 89, passed peacefully on July 16, 2026, surrounded by the love of his wife and family after a life defined by hard work, quiet generosity, and an unwavering commitment to the people and communities he cared for most. Born on October 14, 1936, Fielding was the son of Kermit and Barbara (Gates) Massie, who were lovingly known to their grandchildren as "Pap-Pap" and "Mockey." He was preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother, Irwin Massie. Fielding is survived by his beloved wife, Martha (Marti), with whom he shared thirty-seven wonderful years of marriage. He also leaves behind a family that brought him immeasurable pride: his son, Scott Massie and wife Kayla (Newsom) of Jackson, Ohio; granddaughter Sloane Massie of Los Angeles, California; grandsons Collin Massie and wife Kyle (Shasteen) of Plain City, Ohio, and Logan Massie of Worthington, Ohio. He is also survived by his daughter, Leigh Ann Massie of Jackson, Ohio, and granddaughters Payton Ervin of Scottsdale, Arizona and Avery Ervin of Edinburg, Scotland. He also leaves his stepdaughter Julie (Wright) Denney and husband Fred Denney of Jackson, Ohio; stepson Tony Wright and wife Rhea (Verzosa) of Columbus, Ohio; and grandsons Julius Wright and Justin Yates of Columbus, Ohio. A 1954 graduate of Jackson High School, Fielding answered the call to service by spending two years in the United States Army before attending Ohio University. His professional journey began as a draftsman at an architectural firm in downtown Cincinnati, where his talents for design, mathematics, and problem-solving quickly became apparent. Yet the pull of home and the hills of S.E. Ohio proved stronger. In 1962, persuaded by his lifelong friend and classmate Ken DeMent, Fielding returned to Jackson to help lead what would become King Contracting, Inc. (KCI). As President and majority owner of KCI from 1975 until his retirement in 2004, Fielding played an integral role in transforming the company into one of the premier general contractors in the Tri-State region. Under his leadership, KCI constructed schools, churches, municipal water and sewer facilities, and countless commercial and industrial projects that continue to serve communities today. He was especially proud of his work on projects such as Merillat Industries in Jackson and major manufacturing facilities in Logan, Ohio. Those who worked alongside him knew Fielding as a perfectionist, a tireless worker, and a man whose expectations were matched only by his commitment to excellence. He believed deeply that every project represented not just a building, but the reputation of the people who built it. His employees respected him not only for his vision and work ethic, but for the pride he inspired in everyone fortunate enough to work beside him. Outside his professional life, Fielding found joy in music, fellowship, and family. A devoted member of Christ Church of Jackson, he was a longtime member of the Church Choir. He was also an active member of the D. M. Davis Male Voice Choir, and the Dale Rawlins Singers, where he relished every opportunity to sing and perform. He was also a dedicated member of the Association of General Contractors, championing the values of leadership, craftsmanship, and strong relationships within the construction industry. Fielding possessed a lifelong passion for automobiles---particularly sports cars---that began shortly after high school with the purchase of his beloved 1954 Austin-Healey. In his younger years, he participated in road rallies around Cincinnati, combining his keen mathematical mind with what family members affectionately described as his "lead foot." He held onto that first car for more than half a century, parting with it only in recent years. As the decades passed, his tastes evolved from British roadsters to classic American muscle, and he became a devoted Corvette enthusiast. He owned several Corvettes, including multiple special anniversary editions, and insisted that every one of them be equipped with a manual transmission. To Fielding, driving was not merely transportation— it was an art form. He taught his children to drive standard transmissions before anything else, emphasizing the finer points of heel-to-toe downshifting, proper gear selection, and the perfect line through a curve. Many family members still smile at memories of riding with him, classical music playing in the background as the speedometer quietly climbed beyond the posted limit. Following his retirement, Fielding discovered another passion as a regular visitor to the Jackson City Library, where he could often be found checking out book after book. When he wasn't reading, he loved dog-sitting Foxy for his stepdaughter Julie and walking the Pomeranian around the neighborhood. More than the buildings he helped create, the cars he loved, or the songs he sang, Fielding will be remembered for the values he embodied: discipline, craftsmanship, loyalty, and an enduring belief that anything worth doing was worth doing well. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the community he helped build, and the countless lives he quietly influenced along the way. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers at both Jenkins Care Community in Wellston, Ohio, and National Church Residences; also, friends and loved ones who provided comfort and support during Fielding's final days. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at the Mayhew-Brown Funeral Home with Pastor David Roach officiating. The family will receive friends 3 hours prior to the service from 11-2pm at the funeral home. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.mayhew-brownfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christ Church of Jackson at 150 Portsmouth Street, Jackson, OH 45640.

K. Fielding Massie

October 14, 1936 - July 16, 2026