James Hugh Mathena

James H. Mathena of Orlando, Florida, passed away at home on September 30, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Boissevain, Virginia, on January 1, 1940, he was the son of C. Howard Mathena and Lucille (Sigmon) Mathena. The family later moved from Virginia to Pineville, West Virginia, where James attended and graduated from Pineville High School in 1957. He moved to Orlando, Florida, where he began his career with Lockheed Martin, and he met the lady, Jean Bragg, who would become his wife. For the next thirty-five years, he worked for Lockheed Martin both in the Orlando and in the Space Coast Divisions. While working full time, he attended Rollins College and graduated with a degree in Business Administration, enhancing his opportunities to advance with his position and eventually serve as the Senior Security Director. Additionally, he was elected as President of the National Classification Management Society and received their prestigious Woodbridge Award for his outstanding service and commitment.

Known for his kindness, thoughtfulness, and generous spirit, Jim performed many actions during his life that displayed these qualities. One of his most generous actions was donating over thirty gallons of his rare and much-needed blood, especially for children. He was often called upon to donate for emergencies. He was an avid gardener, who not only maintained beautiful gardens, but he also rooted and gave beautiful plants to family and friends. Besides his gardening, Jim often ran as many as thirty or more miles per week and competed in numerous marathons not only across the state of Florida but also in several other states. He loved sports in general. While in high school he played football, basketball, and baseball, and then he refereed high school basketball games in Central Florida. When not refereeing, he attended games with his long-time friend, BradBailey. Also, he and his wife Jean have been avid genealogists, researching and recording family history, inspiring other family members to become involved.

However, Jim was so much more; he was a wonderful and loving son, husband, father, and brother. He is survived by his loving family: his wife Jean (Bragg) Mathena, his daughter Pamela L. Mathena (April Lynn), his son Michael S. Mathena(Karen) and his grandson Owen James Mathena, all of Orlando. Jim enjoyed and loved being a dad and then a grandpa to Owen. Additionally, he is survived by his siblings: Linda (Darrell) Messenger of Indialantic and their son Erich of Palm Bay, Florida, by his sister Nancy (Don) Vedner of Sevierville, Tennessee, and by his brother John Mathena (Ruth) of Orlando, and by many special cousins, extended family, and friends. Jimwill be greatly missed by his family and friends who love him dearly; the precious and cherished memories of him will live on.

His family is hosting A Celebration of Life in his honor for family and friends, planned for Saturday, November 12, 2022,from 12:00 noon until 5:00 PM at the Mathena home, located at 8078 Nicklaus Drive, Orlando, Florida.