Jim Matteson

James I. "Jim" Matteson 1931 ~ 2011 James I. "Jim" Matteson, 79, passed away on May 30, 2011, following a long illness. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mildred Mae (Smith) Matteson and his four children: Rhonda Gates, Kevin (Judy) Matteson, Karey (Clate) Hargrave, and Lisa (Bruce) Meatte and 10 "official" grandchildren as well as numerous honorary kids and grandkids. He is also survived by his two sisters, June Middlemas of Spokane, Washington and Renee Mae Yeager of Nampa, ID, and numerous nieces and nephews. Jim was born in Cascade, Idaho September 17, 1931, to Charles Francis Matteson and Ina Etta (Thompson) Matteson. One of his favorite childhood activities was to ride the mill wagon with his Grandpa Thompson and roam the streets with his best friend Roy Probst. At age 18 he moved to New Plymouth where he worked in the local grocery store. It was there that he met the love of his life, Mildred Smith. They were married on June 4, 1950. On February 15, 1952, he was drafted into the Army and proudly served during the Korean Conflict. He worked for the US Postal Service from 1959 to 1987. Dad was a humble and content man. He rejoiced in the fortunes of others but wanted little for himself. Dad had a gift for loving others, especially the underdog, without judging their actions or situation they were genuinely loved and accepted by him. Above all else, he loved his family and delighted in getting them all together for a birthday or Christmas celebration or just an impromptu taco feed. Dad loved each of his grandchildren in a special and individual way that made them all sure they were his favorite. To his last day, Mom was his joy and regardless of how bad he felt physically he would light up when she entered the room. True to his character, Dad had a simple and abiding faith in Jesus and was grateful for His sacrifice on the cross. We take comfort in knowing that he now "dwells in the house of the Lord forever." The family would like to especially thank the staff of the Idaho State Veterans Home and Hospital for their respectful and loving care. We also want to thank Betty and Bert, Bill and BJ, Leo, Linda, & Molly, and Ray & Ramona, for their unwavering love and support. We appreciate each of you. A viewing will be held tonight, Thursday, June 2, 2011 from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Cloverdale Funeral Home, 1200 N Cloverdale Rd, Boise. Graveside services will be held at 3:00 pm, Friday, June 3, 2011 at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, 10100 North Horseshoe Bend Road, Boise, Idaho. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Idaho State Veterans Home will be greatly appreciated. To share memories with the family please visit Jim's memorial webpage online at www.CloverdaleFuneralHome.com.