JAMES MATHEWS Obituary

James Mathews was born on Nov. 21, 1941, the son of Robert and June Mathews. He passed away at the age of 67 on Oct. 24, 2010 in Tucson, AZ. He married his wife, Nancy, in 1963 in Fresno, CA.

For many years he taught mainly music and computers at Sedro-Woolley High School. After his retirement in 1993 he directed the Skagit Valley Chorale for 10 years which he considered the highlight of his musical career. Later he and Nancy traveled to Arizona during the winters and eventually bought a home in Tucson. Jim was also an excellent amateur photographer.

Survivors include his wife, Nancy, 2 sons, Steven, of Fresno, CA, and Todd, of Bellingham, WA, 2 daughters-in-law, 4 grandchildren and his brother, Ron, of Hayward, CA.

Memorial gifts are suggested to the Skagit Valley Chorale, c/o Lisa Martin, PO Box 38, Clear Lake, WA 98235 or to Corondelette Hospice Care, 630 N. Alvernon, Suite 361, Tucson, AZ 85711. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 16, at 1:00 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 301 S. 18th St. in Mt. Vernon.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Skagit Valley Herald on Mar. 30, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for JAMES MATHEWS

10 Entries

Kathleen Waton

December 11, 2024

Jim Mathew´s, as many others know, including his family, was a spectacular individual. I sang in his choir in 1998-1999. I didn´t even know how to read music, but with his gentle guiding hand, I sang my heart out in the choir. I was not asked to leave so I guess I blended in! Jim was such a kind, patient and talented person. My deepest condolences to Nancy and the family. I am writing in Florida in 2024 after I´ve lost my own beloved husband who was the engineering instructor at Skagit Valley College at the Millennium. Jim Mathew´s lingers in my memory. God bless him and his family.

Patti House Peterson

April 16, 2011

I was fortunate to be a part of the Koinonia Choir that Jim directed back in the early '70's...his gifts were many, and all of us sang our hearts out to please both Jim and God....The Creation piece was a rock opera of sorts...when we sang it you couldn't help feel the power of that piece. Jim directed it, but the music was from God....I still remember how special that music was...you will be missed, Jim. Thank you for making us all feel we were special kids.

Grant Marsh

April 16, 2011

I was really sorry to hear Mr. Mathews passed away. Both my brother and I were in band all through school and I also was in swing choir. I have many good memories (and some good pics) of Mr. Mathews. Including the time he and my brother Mark had some bet. My Mom made netted him a pink vest. He wore it with a big smile. I recall him as a great musical teacher who could be firm yet had a great sense of humor and very kind. He will be missed.

RuthAnn Locken-Hall

April 14, 2011

Master Mithews, we called him back then. He is one teacher I will never forget and he inspired me to use my voice. I will, also, never forget the trip our swing choir, The Blue Horizon, made to Hawaii. A warm smile and a lot of patience were two special qualities of his. Thank you Jim, You were a special person in my life. Ruth Ann Locken-Hall, SWHS Class of 1974

April 4, 2011

Nancy and family,
I feel badly about the passing of Jim. I remember you both when we had young families and you helped with some babysitting with my three children. Sincerely, June Edwards Peterson

April 4, 2011

Jim Matthews was an inspiring teacher and one who taught us to strive for excellence. He had such a warm smile and made us feel valued. We were so blessed to have him as a teacher and friend. Druci Allen, Auburn,WA

James Callahan

April 2, 2011

I'll never forget Jim conducting the "coronation scene" from Boris Godounov with the Skagit Valley Chorale about 10 years ago. It's one of my favorite musical memories. Plus it got encored! Jim brought out all the splendor and glory of the music. God bless his loved ones

Rebecca Martinson

April 1, 2011

How wonderful the choirs of Heaven must sound with Jim's voice amongst them. How terribly saddened I was to hear of his passing. He was truly a remarkable man.

I sang in his choir at SWHS for four years until graduating in 1991. I have more memories of him than of any other teacher I have had. I really loved that man. What a wonderful power truly great teachers hold in our lives. I feel fortunate to have known him, and I hope the past few months his family has taken great comfort in his memory.

With great love and deepest respect,
Rebecca Martinson(Utter)

Dewey Calvert

April 1, 2011

May the Peace of God help you thru your loss. Mr Mathews will always be in our Hearts. He was more than a Teacher he taught us to be the Best we could be and to enjoy what we had accomplished. I graduated in 1976 and had two years with a man that was a Gentle Giant in my Eyes Maybe he is leading the angels in Chorus now. He helped each one of us find our selfs. Thanks Mr Mathews. We will Miss You
Dewey Calvert

Debra Heitman - Louden

March 30, 2011

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Jim. He was a great teacher and made choir fun. Have great memories of Jim & Nancy taking our choir to Hawaii. Our hearts and prayers are with all of you.

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