James Owen (Jimmy) Matthews Jr., born November 27, 1920 in Mobile, Alabama passed away July 14, 2019 at the age of 98. He resided for the past 71 years (since 1948) on Dog River in South Mobile.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of over 60 years, Dorothy Flynn Matthews and his parents, James O. Matthews Sr. and Gwyndoline Dunn Matthews; his brothers, Robert Clyde Matthews and Walter George Matthews.
He is survived by his children Pamela Matthews Borghese (Louis) and Brenda Carol Matthews; his granddaughter Sarah Lewis Schmidlin (Tobias), his sister, Gladys M. Moore and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Jimmy graduated from Murphy High School in 1937 and attended Huffstetler Business College. During the depression years, he worked at a variety of jobs, e.g. paperman, waiter, cook, iceman, truck driver, stock clerk and warehouseman. Always interested in sports, he was an amateur boxer during this period, participating in several Golden Glove tournaments.
He retired from the U.S. Civil Service Commission as a Supervisory Personnel Specialist after 35 years of Federal Civil Service. During his years of federal service, he also worked for the U.S. Army of Corps of Engineers in Mobile as a Personnel Specialist and Brookley Air Force Base in Mobile as Chief of the Employment Office.
Jimmy was Past Chairman of the Gulf Coast Federal Personnel Council, past President of the Port City Toastmasters Club of Mobile and past President of the B.C. Rain High School PTA.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served in World War II as a yeoman on the minesweeper USS YMS144. He was recalled as a Chief Yeoman during the Korean Conflict.
Jimmy was a Master Mason for over 50 years and a life member of Mobile Masonic Lodge No.40, F&AM, a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 49, Mobile, a life member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees(NARFE) and life member of the Port City Pacers running club.
He began jogging at the age of 60, and won countless trophies and awards for the next 30 years, as he ran enough miles to exceed the circumference of the earth. He broke and held many state records for his age, and was a nationally ranked runner by the U.S. Track and Field Association. He cherished his many friends, a number whom were from the running community, Port City Pacers and the Pro Health Fitness Center.
He wanted to especially thank his caregivers. His daughter, Brenda, whose constant care allowed him to stay in his home during his last years, his daughter Pam and part-time caregivers; Katina, Lindsay, Natalie, Nikki, and Elaine.
Jimmy and Dorothy enjoyed a full life and entertaining at their home on Dog River. They were excellent dancers, particularly the Jitterbug. He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed writing numerous witty poems during his life.
Visitation will be held Saturday, July 20, 2019 from 9-11 am with graveside services to follow at 11am.
If you choose, you may send flowers or donations to the charity of your choice, in his memory.
Please visit www.pinecrestfuneralhome.com to leave condolences for the family.
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