James Ray Mathews

Jim Mathews of Sparta passed away Monday, July 7, 2025. He was born in 1948 in Lawrence County, the son of Curtis and Eula Mae (Mahurin) Mathews.

Jim worked in HVAC as well as in the dairy industry before retirement. Jim enjoyed fishing, motorsports, and tinkering on a little bit of everything. He loved spending time with family and was an active member with his family in the local church.

Survivors include his wife, Ann; his brother, Delbert and wife Vicki; three children, David and wife Valerie, Sheri, and Sam and wife Emily; six grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his sister and brother-in-law, Rita and Dallas Cullen; his father- and mother-in-law, Jim and Frances Ewing; and his first wife, Eva Essary-Mathews.

Visitation will be from 12:00 noon until 12:45 p.m. Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Adams Funeral Home, Ozark. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m., with Pastor Bill Dowell officiating. Burial at Hall Cemetery at Mound with military honors will be around 3:00 p.m. upon arrival at the cemetery.

The family extends deepest thanks to Haven Home Health and Hospice for the care and support he received. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorial contributions to be made to Hall Cemetery.