James Matheson

Words can't describe how grateful I am
to have known Mr. Matheson as person and music teacher. What a great and kind person. I heard so many wonderful things about his life and family. In my last encounter with him I brought him a water melon as he told me they weren't tasting so great over there. I told him I was passing through and would bring him one from the valley. When he saw me at his front door holding this enormous thing his eyes where bright. I knew it was our last meeting....

The news of Jim's passing breaks my heart. He was my mentor and friend for many years while I studied at San Francisco State, and for many years after. Although I moved away from the city and was not able to see him often, I thought of him often and we never failed to at least exchange Christmas cards. He taught me more than just how to play the oboe, he saw my potential, patiently encouraged me, and helped me understand how to move beyond technique and truly make music lyrical and...

Mark,

As one of your dad's "East Coast" cousins, I did not get to see him nearly as often as I would have liked. Yet, I was with him often enough to appreciate what a loss it must be for you at this point in time. I never got to meet Jim's dad, but your grandmother (Stella) was a remarkable person - as was your father!

As you are no doubt aware, your dad was interested in much more than music. On his trips to Virginia, he demonstrated how fascinated he was with history, art,...

Dear Mathesons, please accept my deepest condolences at the passing of a true friend to so many. A gifted person and musician, Jimmy was a fine and treasured colleague to our father Ross Taylor, founder of the California Wind Quintet. Jimmy, a chamber musician of highest achievement played and championed Ross's arrangments throughout his career. His demonstrated dedication to getting much of Ross's music published postumously was a rare blessing and gave heartwarming continuity from our...

Offering my condolences to the Family. May you draw comfort from God during this sad time.