James Matthews

September 14, 1935 - December 24, 2024

Charlotte, North Carolina - James (Jim) Francis Matthews passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, at the age of 89. Born on September 14, 1935, to the late Norman Francis Matthews and Wilma Pulliam Matthews, he was predeceased by his younger brother, Robert D. Matthews.

Jim's early years in Forsyth County, NC, were spent exploring the dense woods near his home, fostering a lifelong love for nature and an appreciation for the Creator. From an early age, he displayed exceptional intelligence, leadership, and a zest for learning. Jim excelled in academics, extracurricular activities, and athletics, graduating from Mineral Springs High School in 1953. He went on to earn a BS degree magna cum laude in Biology from Barton College in 1957, an MS degree in Plant Taxonomy/Ecology from Cornell University in 1959, and a PhD in Cytogenetics from Emory University in 1962.

While at Emory, Jim met the love of his life, Betsy, a fellow biologist, teaching assistant, and classmate. The two married on December 23, 1961, and began their journey together as colleagues in the Biology Department at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY. In 1964, the couple moved to Charlotte, NC, where, hired personally by Bonnie Cone, Jim joined the faculty of Charlotte College, now the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC).

Over his distinguished career at UNCC, Dr. Matthews left a legacy as an educator, mentor, and scientist. He played a vital role in the university's growth, inspiring countless students and serving on numerous committees. He also founded the UNCC Herbarium, a botanical library housing over 50,000 preserved specimens, which is now part of the Dr. James F. Matthews Center for Biodiversity at Reedy Creek Nature Center. Dr. Matthews retired early after serving as Chair of the Biology Department from 1994 to 1996.

In 1996, Jim launched Habitat Assessment & Restoration Professionals (HARP), conducting Threatened and Endangered Species surveys across the Carolinas. His work helped preserve thousands of acres of land for conservancies, parks, and municipalities, cementing his legacy as a conservationist.

Throughout his life, Jim received numerous honors and awards, including the NCNB Teaching Excellence Award, the Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence, and the Arts & Science Council Award for Science. He authored or co-authored 27 scientific papers and many reports, furthering the advancement of his field. As an internationally known botanist, he had two plants named after him. Jim's faith in Jehovah God and his deep knowledge of the scriptures shaped his life. As an Elder in his congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses, he devoted countless hours to helping others, visiting hospitals, and contributing to the construction of Kingdom Halls throughout the Southeast. He found joy in sharing the hope and comfort of God's Kingdom, which he believed would fulfill the prayer Jesus taught his followers.

Jim instilled in his children the love of God , neighbor and an appreciation for all nationalities. He included the family on a tour he led for students which included visits to museums and gardens in major European cities. Other adventures included visiting island rainforests, erupting volcanoes, climbing pyramids and a cruise down the Amazon River. For Betsy, he gave invaluable support and assistance helping her develop and operate successfully her B Natural shops in several locations for over 25 years.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Betsy Matthews; his son Chris Matthews (Christa); his daughter Meredith Ross Matthews; and his cherished grandchildren, Corey and Caitlin Matthews. His family was his greatest source of pride, and he found immense joy in their achievements and happiness.

Jim will be remembered for his boundless energy, warm spirit, intellectual curiosity, humility, generosity and steadfast faith. His legacy as a scholar, conservationist, servant of Jehovah God, follower of Christ Jesus, and loving husband, father, and grandfather will live on in the hearts of all who were privileged to know him. A memorial service for Jim is scheduled for 2:00 pm, Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the Levine Senior Center, 1050 DeVore Lane, Matthews, NC. The family will receive friends following the service.

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Published by Charlotte Observer from Feb. 17 to Feb. 19, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for James Matthews

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4 Entries

Robert Funderburk II

May 18, 2025

Betsy, Meredith, and Chris:

Words cannot express the deep loss that you three just experienced. We all lost a father, husband, friend, and Professor, as well as mentor. I enjoyed his memorial service-that was Jim all over. I developed a better appreciation for nature and the environment thanks to Jim's passion for it. I also like to pull the car off the road to look at some plants that I saw on the side of the road or even the grassy median when I'm driving in the area of Castle Hayne or Carolina Beach Road, much to Robin's irritation at times.

I certainly miss him a lot, just as you three do. Death still has it's sting, however, we know that very soon, we will see him again in the very near future.

Robin and I pray for your family so that you three can bear up to the burden of dealing with this-it's not easy to do, but with Jah's help we can. That was a nice thing to move the UNCC herbarium specimens to the Reedy Creek Nature Center (I have two plant specimens that were recorded for the first time in Mecklenburg County there, I believe-Myosotis discolor and a species of Walnut that I found growing in Freedom Park).

I still grieve from time to time, as I'm sure all three of you do as well. But we know that his resurrection is guaranteed because of his faithful service to Jehovah God.

Robert Funderburk

JUAN MENDEZ

February 26, 2025

Our condolences Matthew´s family and friends . He will be missed dearly.

Carla Vitez

February 17, 2025

I remember Dr. Matthews using his time and talent to benefit others - advocating for land conservation, helping his neighbors with projects, advising me personally in several endeavors! A great encourager!

Velma Hill

February 17, 2025

Bro Matthews was very good friend of my husband Thurman! And though him he became a very good friend. He was a very humble & nice and always giving a helping hand to whoever needed it! My husband & Bro Matthews was two of a kind when my husband Thurman got sick he was there to let us know that if we needed him for any let him know! And he was there always a man of his own my husband died in 2022 and told me to always check on Him and Mrs Betsy and I did always the first of the month....I won't never forget Bro Matthews he will always be in my heart,! My Condolences going out to the family Velma Hill

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