July 18, 1951 — Sept. 21, 2014

Jim Matthews, 63, of Niles, Michigan died with his family gathered around his bed at home at 4:17 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014 following a brief illness.

He was born on July 18, 1951 in Niles, Michigan to James William and Joyce I. (Maxson) Matthews. He was graduated from Niles High School, attended Southwestern Michigan College, and has lived in this area all of his life. He was a long-time member of the Ironworker’s Union Local 292 in South Bend, and had earned his Journeyman Millwright card with the International Union of United Automobile Workers (UAW) of America Local 5. He was first employed with his brother at their father’s firm, United Construction, and had worked on many major sites including the Cook Nuclear Plant in Bridgman, and Detroit Metropolitan Airport. He also was a Seabee in the U.S. Navy Reserves during peacetime.

Jim was a member of the Howard Township Lions Club, enjoyed fishing with his wife, and was a regular for breakfast at the Rise N Shine restaurant. His greatest interest — other than his family — was all things Hawaiian, and enjoyed every chance to visit his family who lives there.

He was first married to Virginia Dwight.

On Feb. 3, 1982, in Lawton, Oklahoma he married the former Kathleen A. Mahar with whom he celebrated the 28th anniversary of their wedding prior to her death on Dec. 26, 2010. He was also preceded in death by his father, Bill Matthews.

Surviving family includes his children, E6 Margaret “Maggie” (and E8 Russ) Toelken, U. S. Navy of Jacksonville, Florida, Annette (and Cliff) Tuttle of Niles, Daniel (and Meg) Tomkiewicz II of Seattle, Washington, Chris (and Peggy) Tomkiewicz of South Bend, Indiana, Lisa (and Billy) Martin of Blacksburg, South Carolina, Denise (and Mike) Daugherty of North Liberty, Indiana, Kimberly (and Joe) Malicki of Mishawaka, Indiana, and Greg (and Karen) Matthews of Chesapeake Bay, Virginia; fifteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and Jim’s mother, Joyce Matthews of Niles, and a brother, William R. (and Deb) Matthews of South Bend, Indiana; and many nieces and nephews.

The funeral service for James E. Matthews will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 26, 2014 at the Halbritter Funeral Home with the Rev. Dan Greegor of Sumnerville Baptist Church officiating. Committal will follow at Mission Hills and will conclude with the Veteran’s Flag Presentation by American Legion Post 26 of Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 6 until 8 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home during which Hawaiian attire is appropriate and appreciated. Contributions in memory of Jim Matthews may be made to Hospice at Home.

www.halbritterfunerals.com