JAMES R. MATTHEWS

Greatest coach ever. And a legend in my opinion. Did a lot for young people. I think of him a lot.

I remember his room outside in a trailer. He would move the desks to the side so we could race down the middle and see who was fastest. I graduated in 89 and he also taught my Dad!!

I always paid attention in Mr. Matthew's history class. He had some very clever ways to keep us on task--he'd do that trick with his teeth which you didn't want to miss, and then there was the Fizz, Buzz game to keep us awake. I did learn a lot of history because I wanted to do well in his class. He made our classes exciting, and he was just a very nice man. He loved what he did, and I believe he really liked the kids. I saw him once shopping in Williamsburg many years later, and I was...

Mr. Matthews was an unforgettable teacher to those of us in the OHHS Class of '64! He could be distracted from US History with a sports question, which everyone enjoyed! Kids always wondered if he was related to Mr. Loren Matthews, another great teacher! I have to admit, though, that my hand would get tired copying the 25 questions to answer from the assigned reading for homework--but I learned so much! Mr. Matthews, some day we'll join you on the Clipper Ship that sails forever! God bless!

Mr. Matthews....the heart, the soul, the pride of the Clippers. As a teacher....you were able to reach and teach, as a coach....you instilled confidence and skill, as a friend...to many ... you defined that term for us. God Bless You Coach. RIP...Your physical presence will be missed, but, you will live on through the deeds, actions and thoughts of those whose lives you touched and influenced....Thanks for everything. Kolleen McGrath, 1977

RIP Mr. Matthews.

I had Mr. Matthews for history class. He was one unforgettable teacher--charismatic personality and very approachable. I'm sorry to hear of his passing. Sharon (Stommel) Hamil, class of 1964.

Mr. Matthews was loved by so many people,he is in good company. From all the Dietz children.

All of us in the OHHS Class of 1964 are saddened to hear of Mr. Matthews passing. He was much loved and appreciated and will continue to have an influence in our lives.