James Mathis Sr.

James Mathis, Sr. August 13, 1933 - December 20, 2008 COLUMBUS, GA — MSG (Ret.) James Mathis, Sr., 75, of 2060 Paris Drive, Columbus, GA, died Saturday, December 20, 2008 at Columbus Hospice, Columbus, GA. Funeral services will be held 12:00 noon Monday, December 29, 2008 at Evangel Temple First Born Church of the Living God in Columbus, GA with Bishop Robert Williams officiating. Burial will be in Main Post Cemetery, Ft. Benning, GA, according to Taylor Funeral Home, Phenix City, AL. Visitation is Sunday from 1:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Family will receive friends Sunday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Mr. Mathis was born August 13, 1933 in Reynolds, GA, the son of the late Sally Crawford and Gat Mathis. He was a member of Peaceful Baptist Church, Columbus, GA. Mr. Mathis retired as a Master Sergeant from the U.S. Army in 1981 after 28 years of service. During his military career, he received numerous awards and decorations such as: Vietnam Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal w/8 Oak Leaf Cluster, Good Conduct Medal (8), National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/4 Bronze Stars, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou Mathis of Columbus. Through the marital union of Mr. and Mrs. James Mathis, five children were born: Patricia Ann (Larry-late) Morris of Columbus, GA, [Pamela, Tiffany], Cathy (Earl) Suggs of Marietta, GA [Kayla, Kendra], Diana (Vernon) Feely of Columbus, GA [LaKesha, Stephanie], Monika Mathis of Columbus, GA and James (Jacqueline) Mathis, Jr., of Atlanta, GA [Jori, Jayla]. In addition, he leaves behind a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.