James William Mattox

The son of a career army soldier, he spent his childhood in Fairbanks, Alaska. While in Fairbanks, he became a lover of all things outdoors and adventuring.

His life then took him to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan - commonly known as the “U. P.” – which made Jim proud to proclaim that he was a “Yooper”. Here he acquired his new family members including step-parents, siblings, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins, all of whom have lovingly remained in his life. It was here that he learned to foster his love of hunting, fishing, and the outdoors. His life then took him to Englewood, Colorado.

The time he spent here and his natural gift for making new friends and keeping the old allowed him to enjoy all the activities he loved and to acquire new interests. Drumming became a new passion. As a young man he spent time playing drums in a band and he never lost his love for drumming. He was frequently found playing drums with his musician friends at his home or theirs.

The family and friends he made have stayed with him through the decades assisting him in his adventures of fishing, hunting, gold panning, camping, snowmobiling, riding his Harley and enjoying the mountains of Colorado.

In the spring of 1993 he encountered a chance meeting with the woman who would become his wife, Joni. Attracted by their common love of the outdoors and adventures, they built their life and home together in Castle Rock. For the next 27 years they would be inseparable, doing all the outdoor activities they both enjoyed so much. They would invite their friends to join them in playing at their home, their property near Lake McConaughy or at their mountain retreat near Fairplay, and finally on the plains of Colorado.

His love for life and living that touched his family and friends so deeply will remain with us all until we meet again in God’s Holy Kingdom.