Judson Philip Mason, Jr., known to all as Jud, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Christmas morning at the age of 78. An officer, a gentleman, and a devoted husband and father, Jud lived a life shaped by service, integrity, and the people and institutions he cherished.

Born in Joliet, Illinois, Jud moved with his family to Arlington, Virginia, at age six. He became an Eagle Scout and often said that Scouting prepared him for life—a lesson he later passed on as Scoutmaster of Troop 964, mentoring ten young men, including his son, to achieve Eagle Scout.

Jud attended Ferrum Junior College, earning his A.A., and then The College of William & Mary, earning a B.A. and M.A., while serving as an athletic trainer for the wrestling and football teams. At Ferrum, he was part of the 1965 national football championship team and was later inducted into the College's Sports Hall of Fame.

In 1970, Jud earned his commission in the United States Marine Corps, beginning a distinguished 30-year career. He qualified for flight school and earned his wings in 1972, eventually completing over 5,000 hours in multiple rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft. Among his many achievements, he participated in the first CH-53E Super Stallion dual air refueling, an accomplishment documented in the Smithsonian Museum. He served with distinction as a Presidential Command Pilot for Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1), flying Presidents Carter and Reagan, as well as many other foreign dignitaries. His non-flying assignments included AV-8B Harrier Program Manager, Chief of Staff for the Program Executive Officer for Mine and Undersea Warfare, and leadership on some of the most visible defense programs, including the CH-53E, V-22 Osprey, AV-8B Harrier, and F-35. After retiring at the rank of Colonel in 2000, Jud continued to serve with the F-35 Joint Program Office as an Export Compliance Specialist.

Beyond his military and professional accomplishments, Jud devoted himself to Ferrum College throughout his life. A generous supporter for more than five decades, he became actively involved on the Board of Trustees 16 years ago, guiding key committees including Enrollment, Athletics, and Trusteeship. In recognition of his extraordinary service, he was awarded the Beckham Medallion in 2006—the College's highest honor—and was later inducted into the 1913 Society, leaving a lasting legacy that will continue to benefit students for generations.

Jud shared a life of love and adventure with his wife, Jackie, to whom he was married for 51 years. Together, they traveled across the United States and to 38 countries, cherishing the people and communities they met along the way. He leaves behind his beloved son, Jud III (Makaye), his sister Judi (Bill), brother-in-law Craig (Karen), two nephews, two nieces, and three grandnephews and two grandnieces.

Judson Mason was a man whose life embodied the mottos he lived by: the Boy Scout motto, "Be Prepared"; Ferrum College's "Not Self, But Others"; the William & Mary mission of lifelong learning, leadership, and service; and the Marine Corps' Semper Fidelis. His kindness, integrity, quiet strength, and dedication to others left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

His final resting will be at Quantico National Cemetery, 18424 Joplin Road, Triangle, VA 22172, with full military honors on Friday, January 23rd, 2026, at 1:30pm. Following the service, a reception will be held at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, 1775 Semper Fidelis Way, Triangle, VA.

Jud may be gone, but his legacy—through family, friends, Scouts, and the countless students and colleagues he guided—will continue to inspire for generations to come. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jud Mason Memorial Scholarship at Ferrum College.