ABC7 Chicago photojournalist James ‘Jim’ Mastri passes away after battle with pancreatic cancer [Video]

CHICAGO (WLS) — It was a tough day on Wednesday for the ABC7 Eyewitness News family as we have lost one of our own.

One of our photojournalists, James “Jim” Mastri, has passed away after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Mastri started at ABC7 in 2001 and was a tremendous member of the team for 23 years.

“He was a highly skilled photojournalist and a tremendous member of our team for 23 years,” WLS-TV President & General Manager John Idler said. “More importantly, he showed a generous spirit and was a friend to all. Jim always extended a kind handshake and a warm smile, and we will miss him more than this note can express.”

He passed peacefully surrounded by those he loved. Mastri was under hospice care during a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Mastri is survived by his wife Michelle and his two sons Michael and Nicholas.

“For those of us who …