So sorry to hear of the death of my delightful Uncle Matt.   My father Bill Mattingly was his oldest brother and Matt second youngest in the Mattingly clan so he was very near to my age.   As a child , I looked up to Matt  as a totally cool teenager .

He had a quick sense of humor matched with his contagious
laughter.  When our family would visit our Grandma's home it included Jean, Matt , John and Mark and any other family who might be visiting as well.     

Mark was the music crazy guy always listening to the radio,  Matt provided the hilarious stories and quick quips, and John had toes so long he could keep time to music with them.  Aunt Jean was there to chuckle at it all.  I must admit I had a crush on Matt.  After the meal, some of us would sit out on the front porch or the men would watch wrestling on television and laugh at the theatrics of the sport.  

When I moved to the cold winter of Colorado , it was a tough transition and I wrote Matt a letter and he wrote back with wise advise.   Later  I came back to go to Matt's wedding  and saw he had chosen a beautiful mate who had  the same sense of mirth as did he.   They  were an admirable, loving couple who really could cut a rug dancing.  Through the years Matt and his family would visit us in Colorado and we would regularly visit St. Louis .  It was always a good time. 

One day when I was staying with Matt on my way through to New Orleans,  little Matthew was potty training and we were observing the process.  As he flushed the toilet he waved good bye to the contents of the toilet.  Matt said "My son is one with nature." followed by his unforgettable laughter.   That's how I will always remember him.  

I just visited St. Louis in April.  One of the reasons for the visit was to see Uncle Matt.   He was clearly unsure of who I was but sat and visited nonetheless.  The final moment before we left we took a picture and he smiled for the camera.

I always knew Jim as my Uncle Matt.   When I was growing up he was a constant presence and guiding light for me whenever we visited Grandmas house.  He was always kind and generous and patient and a role model for me in my youth.   He taught me to use humor and kindness whenever possible.  He will be missed.
Mike Mattingly
( of the Colorado Mattingly”s)

Growing up I would go with grandma to Chicago and spend every summer at Uncle Matt's and Aunt Kathy's (I believe he was in law school) looked forward to it every year. I was at their house alot. I would also babysit you kiddos often. Loved the family gatherings, I miss seeing everyone.  I do smile knowing your parents are reunited dancing in each others arms again. If any of you need anything or ever need anything today, tomorrow, weeks or years from now I am always here I love all of you.

We were so sorry to hear about Jim and have missed him as our neighbor. Living behind them almost 22 years,  I don’t think there was a day that passed by once the weather turned nice that we didn’t see them or have a conversation. He always had a story to share and tale to tell. 
I will always remember hearing him singing along outside to his favorite songs. 

Always keep the good memories close to your heart.

Tim and Jeannine Organ

always enjoyed talking to Jim across the fence. he looked forward to his trips to Florida.

Great classmate (St. Marys Class of ‘62) and even better longtime, faithful friend.  Rest in peace … finally!  Jim Prag

My condolences to Jim's family. 

We have all missed seeing him around the neighborhood. He rounded out our close knit clan and was always good for a friendly word, a cheerful hello and a smile.   

My best memory is when we took Jim dancing because he expressed a fondness for ballroom dancing and spoke of how much he missed dancing with his beloved wife.

In the end, Jim's memory failed him, but all of us who knew him will remember him fondly.

Peace to you, my friend!

Rest in Peace Little Brother.

My condolences to your kids and grandkids.

You were a person of great humor.  You were a champion of independence  and always pursued justice even as a little kid.

I will always call you Matt just as our family did from the time you were born.

You will be missed.

Very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was a very nice and friendly neighbor who loved his Scotch! He will definitely be missed.

Very sorry to learn of Jim’s passing.  We will keep your family in our prayers. He was a good neighbor and I enjoyed our time together on the SMMA parish council.

Our sympathies are with Jim’s family. 
We enjoyed our times within him and Kathy and will miss him as our neighbor and friend 

The Ford family.

Visitation

Funeral Service

Committal Service

Katharine A. “Kay” Mattingly (nee: Sexauer)

Matthew (Heather) Mattingly

Heather Mattingly

Chris (Stacy) Mattingly

Loving grandfather of Lily, Quinn, Tylan, Bella, Cruz and Luca. Dear brother, brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle, great- great uncle, cousin and friend to many.

OBITUARY

James Madison Mattingly

October 11, 1944 – May 20, 2024

Hoffmeister South County Chapel

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services