James B. Matthews

Phoenix - With family at his side, James B. Matthews died on October 30, 2018. Born on August 27, 1942, in San Diego, Jim grew up in Albuquerque, NM. After graduating from Ft. Lewis College and the University of New Mexico, he taught high school for a few years. In the late 1960s he moved to Arizona, a state he knew and loved and where he spent the rest of his life. After earning a Master's degree from Arizona State University, he established a long career of public service with the State of Arizona. Among the positions he held were legislative staffer, aide to Governor Bruce Babbitt, and Executive Secretary of the Arizona Corporation Commission. But Jim's proudest roles were as husband, to Carolyn Ratti Matthews who preceded him in death in 2012, father to Kristina and Emily, and grandfather to Jeremy, Amelia, and Victoria. He is also survived by brothers Bob and Dewayne, and extended family and friends too numerous to count. He is preceded in death by his parents Robert and Irene Matthews and brother Sam.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff and parishioners of Desert Cross Lutheran Church and East Valley Hospice. The people associated with these two organizations provided a steady supply of food, visits, prayers, and emotional and physical support to Jim and the entire extended Matthews family. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim's name to either of these organizations would be greatly appreciated.

A Memorial Service will be held at Desert Cross Lutheran Church on Sunday, November 4 at 2:00 pm.

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

Published by The Arizona Republic on Nov. 2, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for James Matthews

5 Entries

Robin De roeck

October 27, 2019

You must of been a first class guy judging by the mark you left on your daughters nothing esle needs to be said rest in peace your work is done your legacy established later my friend

Robin de Roeck

November 2, 2018

Gifted to god sadly missed but know you are loved

Bob Byars

November 2, 2018

Jim was a good friend and colleague for many years. We worked together on the AZ Disease Control Research Commission, the AZ Dept of Health Services, and the AZ Medicaid program (AHCCS). Jim was an honest, wise, and caring public servant. I will miss him very much. Bob Byars

Alton Washington

November 2, 2018

I had the honor and privilege to have worked with Jim during his tenure with the Babbitt Administration when he served as senior staff for legislative affairs.

Jim had a gentle spirit who deeply cared about others. No matter the situation or circumstances he never had a cross word of others. He always focused on the best in others even at times when it was trying to do so. He was the master of the dry wit and would get a twinkle in his eyes when he was engaged in storytelling. He believed in the best in others and thought that government should be used to enhance people's lives not detract from it.

First and foremost was his love of wife and family, faith and friends. He will be sorely missed by all who were most fortunate to have known him.

Well done my friend. You have fought the good fight. You are now reunited with your wife and are at peace.

God bless you and all who mourn your loss.

Alton Washington

Gary Gardner

November 2, 2018

Jim hired me right after I graduated from ASU with my Masters in Public Administration as his legislative liasion for the Corporation Commission in 1985. He became my mentor and friend, and taught me the skills I learned that allowed me to start my own lobbying firm a few years later in Washington State. He was the consummate public servant, and he was the model for how I ran my practice and how I try to serve in my municipal roles now.

I will always remember riding to lunch at the old Oaxaca by the Capitol in his corvette, talking politics and AZ history and the legislative process.

In later years we'd chat or email and I'd visit when I was passing through AZ. He'd follow along on my motorcycle adventures, reading my blog and sending m e notes.

I'll miss his kind spirit and his devotion to public service, and I will always be grateful for what he taught me and for his mentorship. He was and is an inspiration to me.

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results