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BORN
1951
DIED
2018
James Mathews Obituary
Lake Havasu City, AZ - James "Jim" Mathews passed away suddenly on Saturday, April 28th 2018 at the age of 66.
He is being lovingly remembered by friends, family, and broadcasting colleagues as a great and loyal friend and mentor defined by his generosity of spirt, his kindness, and his strong ties to the community.
Jim was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania on July 3rd, 1951 and grew up in Mansfield, Ohio. His life in broadcasting began in high school at WVNO-FM. In 1969, he was the first person to bring audio equipment into a meeting of the Mansfield City Council. The city wasn't quite ready for electronic media and they politely asked him to leave.
Shortly thereafter, Jim joined the armed services as a member of the air force. Following boot camp, he was trained as an aircraft technician and worked on a variety of planes including the B-52 at bases all over the world. But, he soon found his way back on the air serving at the American Forces Radio & Television outlet in Da Nang, Vietnam as well as at American Forces Radio stations in Taiwan and Korea.
Following the war, Jim began his journalism career in Altoona, PA at WTAJ-TV where he was quickly promoted to anchor at sister station WBNG in Binghamton, NY. There Jim started a family and had children Jason and Travis in the early 1980s.
In 1990, Jim and his family relocated to Phoenix, Arizona where he anchored locally for 'Channel Ten' news and worked as a reporter and anchor for several radio stations including KTAR and KFYI. In later years, Jim relocated to Lake Havasu City, AZ. There he donated much of his time to charitable endeavors and continued his passion for local news through his "Havasu Video News" site.
Jim is survived by his 2 sons Jason and Travis, his mother Marylou Mathews, siblings Daniel, Lynne (husband Christopher), Laurie (husband David) Thomas (wife Roxanne), Teresa, and Paul, as well as 9 nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father Samuel, step-mother Nina, sister Kathleen, and brother Wayne.
A rosary prayer service will be held at Our Lady of the Lake Church - 1975 Daytona Ave, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403 - on May 12, 2018 at 12:30 PM. A memorial service and reception will follow beginning at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to any local Lake Havasu City charity in his honor. We're inviting everyone to visit Jim's memorial website to share photos and stories of his life at www.forevermissed.com/jamesmathews .
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Mathews
Ron Klink
April 30, 2025
Jim and I worked together in Altoona in the mid 70´s. We used to tour junk yards looking for old cars and car parts. Stayed friends and our families had been close for years but had not been I. Touch for a couple of years, prior to Jim´s passing. I am sad about that. I will miss him.
Ron Klink
April 30, 2024
Remembering my dear friend Jim Mathews and the happy times we shared. God bless!
Ron Klink
June 2, 2022
I am devastated to hear of Jim´s passing. We worked together in Altoona in the 70´s. Stayed friends and even vacationed together with our families in Sedona. We had just lost touch in recent years. For that I´m forever sorry. God Bless!
Joshua Webster
November 2, 2018
Late posting this. I knew Jim from his sons Travis & Jason. Childhood friends of mine. My favorite memory of him was in the living room one time. We came in from outside and sat down to watch TV. Jim was on the couch and he says "Gentlemen, this is a show about birds that swim!" - I turned and replied "Aren't they called ducks?" - We all laughed, and it was great. I also have many good memories of camping with him and Travis/my brother and riding in his boat on the lake in the early-mid 90's.
At 66 you were FAR too young to pass sir. My thoughts are with his boys and the rest of his family. I'm going to miss you sir, YOU were always the Gentleman. :)
Mike Keys
May 11, 2018
It was a very sad day when I learned of Jim's passing. Jim has been a terrific friend these past 10 years. I will miss our lunches where we debated solutions for the many problems and challenges plaguing all aspects of life. He was never one to ask for anything but first in line when an opportunity to give was presented. May God bless you and may you rest in peace. I will miss you my friend.
My deepest condolences go to all of Jim's family and friends.
CHRIS BUCHANAN/ALLIS
May 10, 2018
I met Jim when he worked at WBNG WITH my Dad Bob Buchanan and Mitch Gross, that team was my Dad's favorite he had good things to say about both Jim and Mitch and if you knew my Dad, you had to be incredible people for my Dad to say good things about you. I also had the privilege to get to know Jim outside of WBNG and he was a truly kind, humorous, generous person. I was so sad to hear of his passing. My and my family's deepest condolences to your family and to Mitch. Hold your wonderful memories close to your heart. He is an angel watching over you always.
Roger Galloway
May 8, 2018
Jim was one of a "kind" ---kind in every way. He was generous, giving, a loyal, talented, and decent friend. I, and so, so many others, will miss this super good guy. I cherish our friendship and all that it meant. He brought much to the lives of so many others. You are definitely remembered, my friend.
Thank you for entering my life. Roger
Jim & Ramona Matthes
May 8, 2018
Marylou and family. Ramona and I are deeply saddened to hear of Jim's passing. Seems like yesterday when we first met at the old Stop & Go where we worked and that is where I met Jim when he visited you. 50 years have passed and the memories of the good times are still strong in our memories. We extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family and pray that God will give you comfort during this difficult time.
Bonnie Parks
May 8, 2018
So sorry for your lost remember him fondly
Karen
May 8, 2018
Jim WAS WBNG! The face you could trust, just as Walter Cronkite. You were too young to leave us, sir. Rest peacefully.
Chris & Pat Fisher
May 7, 2018
Marylou and family,
Lost too soon. Our deepest sympathy on the loss of Jim. He and you have been in our thoughts and prayers ever since we heard the news. We were so looking forward to his trip to Mansfield in the summer.
JIm, Rest in Peace my Friend.
Semper Fidelis
Jen Brown
May 7, 2018
May the God of all comfort strengthen the family of James Mathews during this time of deep sorrow. Those who pass on God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. My sincerest condolences. Psalm 116:15
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