Janice Sue Masut

Our mother, Jan Masut (born Janice Sue Bradley), 84, of Sandpoint ID passed away peacefully at her daughter's home on Sunday, August 24, 2025.

She was born in 1941 in East Point, GA where she was raised by her mother, Clela “Kitty” Helberg and her grandmother, Genevieve "Granny the Magician" Harris. She attended Russell High School, serving on the Rich’s Teen Board and as the “Russell Wildcat” mascot along with many other school activities.

She married Euchee (Bubba) Harp Skinner, Jr. shortly after graduation and the couple had four children: (Katharine) Leigh Mire of Sandpoint, ID, Laurie Lynn Barry of Atlanta (deceased), Eric Euchee Skinner of Sandpoint, ID, and Bradley Cole Skinner of Newnan, GA. During her Atlanta years she was active in her church, enjoyed time with her best friend and sister-in-law, Jackie Toler, and worked at the Delta ticket counter.

Following her divorce from Skinner in the mid-seventies, Jan moved to Crystal River, FL with the children and worked at a travel agency and at Sea Sweet Crab Meat Co before marrying Dominic Masut (deceased). "Jan and Dom" built a successful fine dining restaurant, The Prime Minister. A creative and entrepreneurial spirit, she also co-founded Willow Creek Gift Baskets, a gift and interior decorating business. Upon retirement, the Masuts moved to Sandpoint, ID.

Our mother was curious and adventurous. As a child, she spent a summer in Cuba with relatives, and later in life she traveled to Mexico and Europe (she especially admired the British). Mom enjoyed a great story, and loved to learn.

She also followed her own lights. In high school she listened to jazzy Julie London while her classmates were rocking to Elvis, and she campaigned for Goldwater in Georgia during his 1964 presidential election - the peach state was the only state he carried, and we’re pretty sure it was because of her.

Above all, our Mom was gentle. She liked to talk to people, and liked to listen to them, too. Her heart was a big tent - she was fair-minded, and she particularly rooted for underdogs who, like her, came from difficult circumstances and were working their way into something better.

She was a Christian, and we are comforted knowing she's been reunited with the friends and family that have gone before her.