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John Powell Matthews
John Powell Matthews
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John Matthews Obituary
John Powell Matthews, 51, of Poplar Spring Road, Scottsville, died on Wednesday, January 30, 2009, at the University of Virginia Medical Center.
He was born on October 3, 1957, in Dayton, Kentucky, a son of Becky L. (Locklear) Cook and the late Harry Edward Matthews.
In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a sister, Marian Elizabeth Matthews.
John worked as a Locomotive Engineer with CSX Railroad and was a very active politician having worked for President Clinton and Governors Doug Wilder and Mark Warner.
Survivors include his mom and dad, Becky and Lawrence Cook of Scottsville; his son, Micah S. Matthews and his mother, Cathy Matthews, both of Williamsburg; three brothers, Gary Cook of New York, Greg Cook of Orange, and Chuck Matthews of North Carolina.
There will be no viewing and a memorial service will be conducted at a later date.
Thacker Brothers Funeral Home of Scottsville is handling the arrangements.
This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Pamela Matthews
December 29, 2010
Dear Aunt Becky, I was shocked when I heard of Jay's passing. I just learned of it last week when I asked Micah on Facebook how his dad was. If I had known sooner I would have been in contact sooner. I am saddened that our family has drifted so far apart that I didn't find out sooner. I still think of you often and keep you in my heart. Love to all
Donna Marshall West
January 14, 2010
I am another of Jay's former classmates who had reconnected on facebook in the past several months. I was so saddened by the news of his death - I hadn't given up hope, and I really hoped I'd get to see him again. He and I went back a long way but hadn't seen each other in many, many years. We were good friends while at Huntington and had a lot of fun in those days. I was around when his beloved sister suffered and passed away too young, and I was friends with Valerie. I am so thankful that Jay and I had a chance to reconnect - we had a lot of conversations on facebook over the past few months - I just regret not being able to see him. I am also so glad he got to go to Egypt with his son -- I truly believe he was holding on for that. He had an amazing life and lived it to the fullest, and he fought a long, hard battle. His battle is won - well done, Jay. You are in a much better place with Marion, but I will so miss our many facebook chats. May you rest in peace brave soul.
Robin Branscome
January 11, 2010
Aunt Becky,
We were out of the country and did not get the news until last week. My thoughts are with you, Chuck, Cathy, Micah, and uncle JR.
Noah Schuchman
January 8, 2010
Micah and family-
I first met Jay on a Clinton trip we both were on to my home town of Minneapolis. We became fast friends and had the good fortune to go to Kentucky and Ireland together.
Jay and I stayed in touch and he remained a great friend to the end. I will remember him always for many the many laughs and great advice he gave me.
The world is a lesser place without him -- thank you for sharing him with us.
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debbie nordwick
January 7, 2010
Aunt Becky,JR,Micah,and Chuck, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Jay and I had a lot of talks this last year on the computer.Debbie Nordwick (rath) Alexandria, Ky.
Bernie Henderson
January 7, 2010
Jay's family has my deepest sympathy and I will cherish my memories of becoming Jay's friend during Mark Warner's campaign and Administration. I enjoyed our many email exchanges and telephone conversations that continued until a few weeks ago. He was a treasure as a friend and I am privileged to have known him.
Mary & Rich Minor
January 7, 2010
Dear Cathy, Micah and the other members of Jay's family. We were sad to hear about Jay's death. While we haven't spoken in some time my family and I knew that Jay would be there for friends. We are much indebted to Jay for his helpyears ago. Our lives were better for it.May he find the peace and comfort he sought. god bles and keep you all in this time of loss.
Michele (Kennedy) O'Brien
January 5, 2010
Aunt Becky,
I am so sorry for your loss. Although we haven't seen each other for a long time, please know you are always in our thoughts. Mom & dad send their love & prayers to you and your family too.
Sandra (Williams) Updike
January 5, 2010
I was sad to hear of Jay's passing. We reconnected on Facebook this summer. Myself as well as all of his friends on Facebook encouraged him daily to remain positive. I know he fought with all of his might. I will definitely miss talking to him. My thoughts and prayers are with Micah and his family.
Linda (Matthews) Gardner
January 4, 2010
Aunt Becky, Uncle JR, Cathy, Chuck and Micah...I am so sorry for your loss. JP and I have kept in touch alot on Facebook and I was so glad that God blessed him to be able to take the trip with Micah to Egypt. Let us know when you are planning a service for him. Love and prayers to all of you.
Tim & Laurie DeSalvo
January 4, 2010
To Cathy, Micah, and the entire Matthews family:
Please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of Jay. Our hearts were deeply saddened at the news of his passing. Please always remember that "Noone is ever alone who lives in the presence of precious memories". Please keep your wonderful memories of him alive in your hearts and you will not be alone. God Bless you all. Tim and Laurie
fred nichols
January 4, 2010
I am so sad to hear of JPs passing we were neighbors on Warner rd in Hampton and have fond memories of the family.May God touch you deep in your soul with peace during these difficult days.
Freddy Nichols
John Marshall
January 4, 2010
with deepest sympathy to the family of a man who will be truley missed; of a man who served his country and mankind, remember "those who touch peoples hearts will live forever", and this is so true of Jay.
Joy Stergin Hayes
January 3, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with Jay's loved ones. I appreciated his passion for life, and his interest in encouraging others to pursue their dreams and goals. He inspired others as he fought to live to the fullest. He often expressed his pride for his son Micah - his greatest love in this life. Rest in comfort now with God, Jay.
Cathy Fields
January 3, 2010
Jay was amazing. Through all his pain he still found the words to give me strength when I needed it most. May his memory remain in everyone's heart.
Lisa Mays
January 3, 2010
To Jays' family:I am very sorry for your loss.I only knew Jay for a short while.I spoke with him on Dec.19, 09'.He and I compared stories of how horrible back and neck pain are and talked about other health issues and surgeries. He was very much a gentleman the day we spoke. 330 Valley St. Christmas party was that day hosted by my my friends Tom and Ruth. The organization is a non profit program for those of us who are seeing hard times. The organization is called "From Above".Last evening we were at karaoke there and numerous people expressed that they would miss Jay and dedicated a few songs to him. It was very touching and you could feel the heartfelt sorrow. I knew he was in alot of pain but, he hurts no more. Miss Ya'Jay. From all your friends in Scottsville Va.
Andrea Hughes Russell
January 3, 2010
My deepest sympathy to all. I will truly miss Jay and his inspiration on life. He touched my heart in so many ways as we reconnected after so many years from school.. He will truly be missed. I will remember him always. My thoughts & prayers are with his family and son, Micah.
Andrea Hughes - Russell, Suffolk, VA
Bobby & Paula Gwin
January 3, 2010
Kathy, Micah and the whole family, Bobby & I are sorry of your loss. I know Jay was in a lot of pain for a long time and now he is not suffering. My prayers are with you all in this time of sorrow. God Bless each and everyone of his family.
Tracy Pakulniewicz
January 3, 2010
Jay, Your spirit, vitality and spark for life was an inspiration to so many of us. You were a true and loyal friend. I'm grateful to have known you and extend my condolences to your family and your treasured Micah.
Jeff Gulko
January 3, 2010
While I knew unfortunately knew this day would eventually come, it did not prepare me for the sadness I currently feel knowing Jay has passed, however it is comforting to know he is no longer suffering.
I met Jay about a decade during the Clinton Administration. While I hadn't seen him since 2002 when he, Micah and I went to a Caps game, it did not keep us from remaining in contact with one another. In fact, I think of how often I would get an email from Jay asking how I was, how my wide was, and even asking how our dog was. What's amazing about Jay is he sent these messages while he was fighting for his own life and going through such excruciating pain on a daily basis. That's the perfect example of a friend.
I also was glad to read via facebook about how happy he was to have been able to take that trip to Egypt with Micah. Micah, you should be very proud of your dad as he could not have been more proud of you. He was always emailing me about your lacrosse, music, and desire to spend some time on the road with your cousin David. Please know that many of us in the Clinton Administration loved your father and if you need anything please don't hesistate to ask.
To Jay's mother and other family members, my thoughts and prayers go out to you all. Be proud of who Jay was and how many lives he truly touched on a daily basis.
Jay, thanks for everything brother!
Michele Kreiss
January 3, 2010
We are all richer for having been part of your "family," Jay, and your amazing spirit lives on always!
Kimberly Massengill
January 3, 2010
I, too, was a classmate of Jay's from Warwick High School class of '77. Awfully sorry to hear of his passing. My deepest condolences go out to Micah, Jay's parents, and to all who loved him.
Debra Samples - Barnes
January 3, 2010
I do not have the words to say how sorry I am for the loss of your Loved one...Jay was a true inspiration to any one whom he came in contact with...He's not suffering or in any pain any more an that is a blessing..Jay lived an breathed his son Micah an I do hope he never forgets that...May Jay rest in peace an God Bless.
Debbie Samples - Barnes
January 3, 2010
To all of Jay's family, I do not have the words to say how sorry I am ...He was a true inspiration to everyone he came in contact with, a trooper a fighter an he fought a god fight. The one thing I no Jay lived an breathed was his son Micah an i truly hope he never forgets its...So God Bless an the whole family will continue to be in my prayers....
Martin & Renée van den Berg
January 3, 2010
To all of his Family, specially Becky and Jr., Micah and Chuck,Gary and Greg and their Families:
May God bless you and support you in your sadness today and in the difficult times ahead.
With all our love, Martin & Renée
January 3, 2010
Forever in our memories...............
Jewel New
January 3, 2010
Micah we are so sorry to hear about your father. I know that you miss him very much. We (robert,jewel,alvin) are here for you if you NEED anything.
January 3, 2010
To all of Jay's family. I am so sorry for your loss. Jay fought a hard fight and taught us all to live life to the fullest. I am glad that we were able to reconnect over this past year. He was an inspiration. May God Bless you and comfort you in the days ahead.
Sherr Norton Edwards, Carrollton, Va
January 3, 2010
Jay is/was one of the greatest folks I have ever known. He cared for and worked very, very hard to assist folks who needed help. Jay told the mighty folks of government & politics what needed to be done because he was close enough to put a few words in their ears. Tireless in getting good men & women elected to public office, he organized and participated in the democratic process as others stayed home. Jay was unselfish,. He loaned his musical instruments to musicians that needed them. He & I shared shared Ohio State University memories even though I had graduated by the time he entered the institution, Jay wanted his son, Micah, to have the best schooling and lacrosse experiences as they traveled from one lacrosse game to another so that Micah could get the experience he needed to stand out as a great player of the game. At Jay's urging NCAA lacrosse stars would tutor Micah in his goal tending skills. I took lots of photos of Micah playing lacrosse when he and his father were anywhere near Washington, D.C. Jay is/was a man of passion about his family, politics, creativity, and life.
Sharon Farmer
Sharon Farmer
January 3, 2010
Jay is/was one of the greatest folks I have ever known. He cared for and worked very, very hard to assist folks who needed help. Jay told the mighty folks of government & politics what needed to be done because he was close enough to put a few words in their ears. Tireless in getting good men & women elected to public office, he organized and participated in the democratic process as others stayed home. Jay was unselfish,. He loaned his musical instruments to musicians that needed them. He & I shared shared Ohio State University memories even though I had graduated by the time he entered the institution, Jay wanted his son, Micah, to have the best schooling and lacrosse experiences as they traveled from one lacrosse game to another so that Micah could get the experience he needed to stand out as a great player of the game. At Jay's urging NCAA lacrosse stars would tutor Micah in his goal tending skills. I took lots of photos of Micah playing lacrosse when he and his father were anywhere near Washington, D.C. Jay is/was a man of passion about his family, politics, creativity, and life.
Lonette Tibbs
January 3, 2010
Hope that jay will be in peace now and no pain anymore.My throughs go out to he's son and wife and he's family... Now he is with his sweet sister and father now..My prayers go out to the whole family he has left behond..We walk and live one day at a time that God blesses us with and hope that what we have lefted behond goes on to our children..Lonette Tibbs
January 3, 2010
My family would like to say thank you to all the friends who welcomed my brother to the community. Your continued prayers and support for our family are appreciated.
Chuck Matthews
sandra crawford
January 3, 2010
so sorry for your lost i knew jay through my sister lonette he was a very nice man. i know he is at piece now no more hurting because he is with GOD and GOD takes care of his own.
Arlene Wyatt
January 3, 2010
Jay & I were both members of the WHS '77 class as well as friends on Facebook. He was a wonderful person who is terribly missed already. Farewell, my friend - you are finally out of pain and at peace.
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