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James Matthews Obituary
He was a native of Henderson, N.C., and had been a resident of Newport News for 43 years. Mr. Matthews retired from the U.S. Air Force, as a Master Sergeant, after 22 years of service; and was stationed in Korea, Vietnam and Thailand. After the service, he retired from James River Convalescent Center, the maintenance department. He loved to spend his spare time at Classic Lanes, where he spent a lot of time with his friends and the kids there called him 'Uncle Matt.'
Survivors include three sons, Fred Matthews, Donald Matthews and wife, Danette, all of Richmond, and Brian Matthews of Newport News; two sisters, Mildred Buchanan, and Betty Jean Williams and husband, Jimmy, all of North Carolina; two grandchildren, Amanda Lane and Madison Whitaker; and one great-grandchild, Savannah Truslow.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 7:30 p.m. tonight, June 29, at Peninsula Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 30, at Peninsula Funeral Home, with burial to follow in Hampton Veterans Memorial Gardens. Peninsula Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Matthews
Jeff, Brenda, and Chad Buchanan
July 12, 2010
Brian and Family,
Uncle James was always a super human being and always took time to talk to anyone.He talked a lot about bowling and how good you were.He was a great uncle and friend. I know he was a good dad because my mom is a wonderful mom. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Tracy Finney
July 6, 2010
As a child I grew up next door to Matt, Dot and their boy's. I have very fond memories of all of them. Every once in a while you meet a family that takes a corner of your heart forever. May your memories of Matt shine through the sadness. Fondly Tracy (Elliott) Finney
mike buchanan
July 2, 2010
brian and family, barbara,david,and i just want to let you know that we have you in our prayers,sorry we could not make it to the funeral, i`ll miss him , he was cool dude, one of things i will always remember is when i was just a kid and uncle james coming home from the service and i can see him now , pulling up in the yard in that blue and white 1955 chevy , he was cool dude way back then to.
Randy Buchanan
July 1, 2010
Brian and family. Just letting you know that Uncle James will be greatly missed. Always enjoyed talking with him about racing and how the fishing was up that way. That was one of the nicest funerals that I have ever attended, Uncle James I know was looking down on us with a big smile on his face.
Bobbie Brown
June 30, 2010
The Matthews Family,
Matt was a kind wonderful man. He always talked to us about racing or going to North Carolina while we bowled at Classic Lanes on Tuesday nights. He was always happy and whistling. The last time I saw him he gave me a Dale Jr. stuffed animal. I will treasure that gift from him. We are truly sorry for your loss. Matt was part of our bowling family and I can't imagine Classic Lanes without him. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Bob, Bobbie Jo, Marylyne Brown and Jerylyne Phillips
Bill Thompson
June 30, 2010
James was my first cousin and we did not see each other that often, but I wish we had. He was a good man and will long be remembered as one who cared and shared with everyone. I will miss him.
Bill Thompson, Fort Collins, Colorado
Paul & Jamie Honda
June 30, 2010
Brian, your dad was a quietly amazing guy. As I've mentioned before, I never realized how much he was a part of my life until he was suddenly gone. As his next-door neighbor, I was lucky enough to receive an abundance of fresh produce, stuffed dolls for Brahma, tools, and just anything he thought I might need (and I always did). In a way, I feel like a brother to you, because of my bond with your dad, the way he cared for us, and the way you guys spoiled my dog with attention. We'll miss him for a long time. He was the best neighbor and buddy anyone could have.
Pastor William and Amanda McCarty
June 30, 2010
Brian and Family,
It is hard to believe that Uncle Matt has passed. Just the other day i was watching him give dollars to the kids so they could play games. He was an awesome man, one whos mark will continue on. He will be missed by so many and the ducks he fed out back at Classic Lanes. We are praying for you and your family. Your dad was truly a hero!
June 29, 2010
Hey Brian,
My name arthur harrell and I worked with your dad at Riverside Regenional Convalescent center from 1993 until he retired taking over as director after Bill Myers retired Matt was a good man and friend who loved you alot.I had two young children who matt never forgot on christmas or easter always giving me somthing for them I will never forget his kindness may god bless you and the rest....peace
ennis & terri gilbert
June 29, 2010
Brian and family,
We were so saddened to hear about Matts passing. We just spoke with him friday night at Classic. He was a kind and generous man, never heard any unkind word come from him. We were at the bowling alley Mon night and it was so strange not to see him walk in and make his rounds to talk to everyone. He is greatly missed. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Susan and Bill Glazier
June 29, 2010
Brian- I can not tell you how sad Bill and I are to hear about your wonderful Father. There aren't enough words that can be said about how wonderful and loving he was. I can think of many conversations we have had and they all bring a smile to my face. I will miss seeing him and hearing his whistling at the bowling alleys. Please know that we are here for you and if you need anything please let us know. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
June 29, 2010
BRIAN, I MET YOUR DAD 9 YRS. AGO AND IT FELT LIKE I KNEW HIM ALL MY LIFE. HE WAS A GOOD NEIGHBOR TO ALL. THERE IS NOTHING HE WOULDNT DO FOR YOU. I WILL ALWAYS SEE HIM STROLLING OVER WITH EITHER CUCUMBERS [BURPLESS OF COURSE] OR BIG OLD TOMATOES IN HIS HAND FOR US. WE HAD DINNER WITH HIM LAST FRIDAY AT THE HOT DOG KING AND TALKED OF N.C. BBQ AND THINGS LIKE THAT. HE WAS A GOOD FRIEND AND NEIGHBOR AND WE WILL MISS HIM. ALMA & JOE BYE
Donna and Joey Reid
June 29, 2010
Brian, The Reid family would like to send our deepest sympathy. Matt will be missed. I always enjoyed waiting on him. And his company on a boring night a work. Matt Man...RIP
June 29, 2010
We are so sorry to hear about your loss! We always enjoyed "Uncle Matt" and his love of children and his encouraging words of wisdom! He will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Rick & Betty Husted-Carrollton, VA
Bill & Judy Golightly
June 29, 2010
I was so stunned and sad to hear that Matt had left us all. Please know that you all are in out thoughts and prayers. We loved Matt and will miss him loads.
Lynn Little
June 29, 2010
Brian - I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. He was a wonderful person. I always enjoyed talking to him in the bowling centers. Your dad will always be with you; his spirit and good will be part of you no matter where you go.May God bless you.
With my deepest sympathy,
Ginger & Terry Savage
June 29, 2010
To a great friend who always had a smile for you. I can't imagine going into Classic Lanes and not seeing you standing there. You will be missed!
Joni Foster
June 29, 2010
The world lost a wonderful man. I have never met someone with such people skills. He never knew a stranger. I am honored to have known him and to have called him a friend. You will be dearly missed by all that knew you. I will always have my lucky penny.
We love You Matt,
Joni and Sean Foster
Dawn and Jeff Campbell
June 29, 2010
Matt was a wonderful man. He was always supportive and giving. I have a lot of memories of him at Newmarket Bowl (now Classic Lanes) and how he would always say hello and ask how you have been. I don't think I ever hear him say an unkind word about anybody. We will miss you Matt. One of a kind
Wendy & Jay Conner
June 29, 2010
Brian, Madison and the rest of the family...my thoughts are with you at this difficult time. I will always remember the smile on Matt's face everytime I saw him at the bowling alley. He was such a kind, gentle man. Time really does heal. I will be thinking about you all in the days ahead.
Sandy & Erin Whitehurst
June 29, 2010
Brian,
I am sorry to hear about your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mchelle Grosinksy
June 29, 2010
TO a wonderful man who always was so nice to my children at the bowling alley.....He was so pleasent to be around and though he has left this world GOD has gained another angel to look down upon his family and all of us bowlers.....my prayers go out to all of the family May GOD Bless You!
With Our Deepest Sympathy
Greg and Michelle Grosinsky
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