James Franklin Mathis

James Franklin Mathis, 80, of Denton, Texas passed away on Friday, June 20, 2025.  He was born in Wellington, Texas on January 23, 1945 to Earnest Lee Mathis, Sr. and Precious Mathis.  His family later moved to Pampa, Texas, where he graduated Valedictorian in the Carver High School class of 1963.  He was known by his family and friends for his math skills and vast knowledge of military history.   Following high school, James attended Frank Phillips College in Borger, Texas.  During his time in college, he was enlisted and served his country in the U.S. Army.  James was a prized boxer while in the Army. 
He started boxing at the Optimist Club at the age of 10, alongside his brothers Earnest and John.   While stationed in Anchorage, Alaska, he traveled the country boxing, eventually becoming the middleweight Champion for the state of Alaska.  He proudly displayed his trophies to his family. In addition to boxing at the Optimist, he followed in the footsteps of his father and older brother Earnest Mathis Jr., by playing baseball.  He played baseball for Bailey Sportsmans.
After an honorable discharge from the Army, James made a career in the oil business at Phillips Petroleum in Pampa, Texas.  Once James retired from Phillips, he obtained an Associate of Applied Science degree in Instrumentation and Electronics from Amarillo College.  He then moved to Wynnewood, Oklahoma, where he was employed by Wynnewood Refining Company.  
James was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather.  He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother John Mathis, and his sister Carolyn Scott. He is survived by his ex-wife Nita Mathis; his children, Antoinette Thorp (spouse Kerry), Phillip Jeffery, Terry Jeffery, Stephanie Jeffery, Lisa Almodovar (spouse Eddie), LaTonya Jeffery, Kimiko Colmen, and James (Jay) Mathis; a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren; and five siblings, Earnest Lee Mathis, Jr., Stanley Mathis, Regina Williams, Esteven Mathis, and Sharon Mathis-Olulu. 
Funeral services are scheduled for 2PM, Saturday, July 5, 2025 at DeBerry Funeral Directors. A viewing and visitation will be held before the service from 12PM to 2PM. James will be buried at the DFW National Cemetery at a later date.