Born in Brooklyn, New York, he was a son of the late James and Loretta Rice Matthews.
James (Jim) was married to Carol Ann Matthews for almost sixty-three years. Together, they had four children, Janice, Jacqueline, Jeanne Ann, and James Brian.
Jim loved being surrounded by his family, as well as meeting weekly in fellowship with his group of retired men, bible study time and out on the greens with his golfing buddies! Jim served in the United States Coast Guard from 1951-1954 during the Korean Conflict. Jim held the position as an air/sea search and rescue soldier. He was retired from his most recent job as the Facilities Manager at Heritage Bible Church. For fifteen years he proudly held the position with great joy. Jim was a people person, had a heart for serving and loved unconditionally!
In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children, Janice Kabakjian (William, III) of Aiken, South Carolina, Jeanne Ann Herman (Daniel, Sr.) of Omaha, Nebraska, and James Brian Matthews (Kim) of Taylors, South Carolina; twenty-four grandchildren William (Jacqueline), Justine, Elizabeth, Matthew (Jocelyn), Lydia (Ryan), Anna (Austin), Gilbert James, Aj, Bethany (Uriah), Zachariah, Carol, Audrey (Caleb), Daniel Jr., Stephen, Nathan, Autumn, Sophia, Jimmy, Jonathan (Haley), Kaitlyn, Justin (Mary), Joseph, Jeffrey, and Karis; Eighteen great grandchildren (with one on the way!), Oliver, Evan, Forest, Russell, Christopher, Benjamin, Rylee, J.P., Grady, Hudson, Abigail, Madilynn, Lexxie, Jeffrey, Daniel, Lavena, Gabriel, and Gideon
In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by a daughter, Jacqueline Lee (Gil); and two siblings, Robert Matthews and Claire Corgan.
Visitation will be held from 12:00-1:15 prior to Funeral service beginning at 1:30pm on Saturday, July 10, 2021 at Heritage Bible Church, 2005 Old Spartanburg Road, Greer, SC 29650.
Burial will be private at Woodlawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Heritage Bible Church Missions Fund
www.MackeyWoodlawn.com
