James Edward Matthews

James was born on December 17, 1932, in Ferndale, son of the late Robert J. and Bertha (Meyer) Matthews. He grew up in Ferndale, and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1950, and joined the U.S. Navy shortly thereafter. While in the Navy, James served state side during the Korean War on a sub tender and was very proud to be a War Veteran. Following his service, James attended Lawrence Technical College where he graduated with a Mechanical Engineering Degree. He was employed as an Engineer with General Motors for over 30 years and retired as a Supervisor.

While growing up in Ferndale, little did James know that the love of his life was living right next door. Mary Lou Helferty and James were married in 1955, enjoying 59 years of marriage until she passed in 2014.

James had a love of cars and travel, preferring to drive on his and Mary Lou’s many trips. They especially enjoyed making their yearly trek to the Great Smoky Mountains, as well as the Blue Ridge Mountains. Early in their marriage they would spend time in Lake George with their family, eventually buying property, building a house, and then spending their summers there. Following retirement, James & Mary Lou would enjoy the summers in Lake George and winters in Boca Grande, Florida. An avid golfer, James loved being outdoors and was an active boater, fisherman, snowmobiler, and gardener. He enjoyed watching football and baseball, but was an excellent ping-pong player. A skill he learned while in the Navy. Most of all, James enjoyed spending time with his loving family. He will be greatly missed.

He is survived by: a son Robert (Carmen) Matthews and a daughter Barbara Kelly; grandchildren Patrick Kelly, Shawna (Antanas) Viskantas, Brenna (James) Robinson and Chris (Ashleigh) Toma; great grandchildren Maya Viskantas, Rowan Viskantas, and Samantha Toma. In addition to his wife and parents, James was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law Robert & Ruth Matthews, and a nephew, John Matthews.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, December 7, 2024, 2 pm at the Pixley Funeral Home – John Desmond Chapel, 3530 Auburn Road, Auburn Hills. The family will receive friends from 12 noon to 2 pm at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.