James Mathews

Jamie was born on December 17, 1941 at Maine General Hospital in Portland, Maine, to the late Oscar Mathews, Jr. and Llewena Hill Mathews.

James has two living siblings: his twin sister Anna Ruth Mathews Stewart and Charlotte Mathews. Jamie was predeceased by his stepmother Arizona, his sister Patricia McAdams, and brother Oscar Mathews III. Jamie was also predeceased by his son Dennis James.

As a child he was raised by his late aunt and uncle Hope and Kenneth Mathews in South Portland; the family moved to BonnyBank Terrace in South Portland after the State of Maine claimed the family home by eminent domain to construct I-295.

James graduated from South Portland High School in 1960 and later graduated from Southern Maine Vocational Technical Institute with an associates degree in electronics. In 1963, Jamie began a 37 year career at AT&T and traveled across the New England region.

Jamie was a Life Member of the Greater Portland Chapter of the NAACP and served as President from 1971-1976.

Brother Mathews was a faithful member of the Green Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church for more than 60 years and served in many leadership roles. He was a trustee, usher, choir member, and president of the Lay Council. Brother Mathews was known across the country as one of the first videographers in the AME Zion Church amassing more than 35 years of local, regional, and National footage of services, conferences, and conventions.

Jamie and Lo married and together raised five children in South Portland; Sylvia James Johnson (Floydzell Sr.), Robert James (Cynthia), Priscilla James (Gordon), and Jacqueline James McCreary (Mac).

Grampy was blessed with 10 grandchildren; Serena James, Darius Johnson, (Tara) Floydzell Johnson Jr, Robert James III, (Kathleen) Theron James, Gordon Stavis III, Tierra Stavis, Lennox Curtis, Racquia McCreary Dimtri McCreary (deceased), he had 15 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren.

Jamie is remembered and cherished by a large extended family of nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Jamie always enjoyed spending quality time with his family and getting together with loved ones.

James enjoyed reading the sports section of the Boston Herald to keep up with the Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics, and Bruins.

Jamie had two great recreational passions: videography and golf.

James adored is family, friends, fun, and fellowship. Always finding ways to bring people together to have a joyful time.

Family and friends are invited to attend a time of visitation on Friday, December 15, 2023 from 4-7 PM at Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St. Portland. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 11 AM. A repast will follow also at the funeral home. Interment will be on Monday, December 18, 2023 at 11 AM at Forest City Cemetery in South Portland.