Captain James Matchett

Captain James (Tim) Matchett, age 88, left this life on April 23, 2024. Tim was born on February 19,1936, to Lynn and Hazel Matchett in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. He grew up in the Levy area of North Little Rock and graduated from North Little Rock High School in 1954. Many of his friends came from the community of levy.
He joined the Air National Guard, took a job at a sheet metal shop, and then worked for the Arkansas Highway Department. He then joined the North Little Rock Fire Department, and after forty years, retired as captain.
Tim met the love of his life, Brenda, and married her in 1961 after being introduced to her on a blind date, which was arranged by his brother Bob and his girlfriend Lois. Brenda and Tim were married for 61 years.
Tim loved cars, hot rods, motorcycles, and everything else with a motor. He was especially proud of his 1929 Ford and 1939 Ford that he built. He designed and built much of his home, their dining table, end tables, and other furniture, some out of reclaimed hardwood. He and Brenda loved to travel and visited all 48 contiguous U.S. states by car.
Tim is preceded in death by his dad, Lynn Matchett, and his mother Hazel Matchett. He is survived by his wife, Brenda, his son, Daniel, brothers, Bob Matchett (Barbara), Jerry Matchett (Joyce), David Matchett (Linda), and sisters-in-law, Jeannie Ouellette (Dave), Helen Pankey (Lester), Mariann Garrett (Tom), and brother-in-law Bill Burruss (Mary). He also leaves behind numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and good friends.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to PBS.
The visitation will be held at Park Hill Baptist Church in North Little Rock, Arkansas, on Friday, April 26, 2024 at 10:00 A.M. with the funeral service to follow at 11:00 A.M.
Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas, 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com