Jeffrey D. Matthews

Born: June 1, 1943; in Morris, IL

Died: December 31, 2020; in Morris, IL

Age 77, passed away Thursday, December 31, 2020, unexpectedly of a heart attack at Morris Hospital. He was born June 1, 1943, to the late Genevieve (nee Ellis) and Rees J. Matthews in Morris where he resided all of his life. He graduated with the class of 1961 from Morris Community High School.

He is survived by his sisters, Judith A. (Leo E.) Winkel and Denise I. Matthews (special friend Jay Carr); niece, Caira A. Andrjeski; great-nephews, Connor and Carter Andrjeski.

In addition to his parents, Jeff is also preceded in death by his brother, Rees J. Matthews, Jr.

Jeff retired in 1993 from Caterpillar Tractor Co. after 30 years of dedicated service. When he was younger, he also enjoyed working at Joe's Sandwich Shop. Jeff had many wide and varied interests. He loved to bowl and was Captain of a left handed bowling team "Lefties" for almost 35 years.

He was kidded about living in a time warp because of his love and preference of 50's and 60's music. He loved old movies with the Bowery Boys and Westerns with Roy Rogers and Hopalong Cassidy. Old time radio shows, Elvis, all things Chevy and stock car racing were favorites. He could be found checking out the old cars at Cruise Nights. He would frequently ride his bike on Old Stage Road to the 5 mile bridge and back.

Jeff was a Car man. When he was young he started his education in car paint working in his Dad's body shop. He was happiest working in his garage. He could tell you more about paint then you ever wanted to know. Each car he worked on was treated like his own. He was a genius at looking at your scratch, scrape or scuff and knowing exactly what product to use to work his magic at taking out the mark and restoring the paint to its original luster and beauty.

Jeff loved to talk to people and valued his many personal relationships. He enjoyed going out to eat with family and friends. Steak, poor boys, cheeseburgers & fries, pizza, spaghetti and chocolate chip cookies were his favorites.

He took special pride in his front lawn. He always edged it just so and kept it cut to look almost like green velvet.

Jeff touched a lot of lives and will be sadly missed by many. He was fun to be with and you felt good to be around him. He brought a lot of happiness to those who knew him. He had a ready smile and wave and would wish one and all, "Happy Trails".

As it was Jeff's wish, cremation rites have been accorded and due to current conditions, services will be held privately for his family.

In lieu of flowers memorials to the Morris Hospital Transportation Unit would be appreciated.

For more information please call (815) 942-5040 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.

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

Published by Morris Herald-News on Jan. 12, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Jeffrey Matthews

Sponsored by Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory - Morris Chapel.

3 Entries

Rick Barnett

January 17, 2021

I bowled with Jeff for several years. He was a kind and gentle man and I never heard him say a bad thing about anyone. Jeff was one of a kind and I will miss not seeing him around town. My condolences to your family.

Kenneth Willis

January 12, 2021

Jeff was a very unique man . He was kind ,caring, smart, an expert in everything he loved. It was always a trip to the 50's and 60's when I visited him. He was and always will be a good friend of mine . The world has lost a very good man. I and many others will miss him greatly. I'm sure God has him in his grasp and Jeff is going to those car shows in heaven. Ken Willis ,Morris

WENDELL

January 12, 2021

We are saddened to hear of the passing of our dear friend and classmate. As I reminisce of a high school class, we were required to relate an experience in a speech. Jeff related to his crossing at the Rock Island Railroad tracks, later to become the Route 47 Overpass. He put the class in tears of laughter with his detained crossing over these rough tracks where 8 vehicles passed around him. Jeff loved all his cars from the get-go and drove them with respect to last forever! We loved every encounter and cherished his friendship over the years.

Our Condolences to his family
With LOVE, Sharon and Wendell

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