James Everett Mathis Jr.

James Everett Mathis, Jr. (Slim/Rock) , 69, of Rising Fawn, Georgia, went home to the Lord September 17, 2025, after a brief stint with cancer. Born September 13, 1956 in Chattanooga, Tennessee to the late James Mathis Sr. (Abb) and Gloria Mae Walraven Mathis. He attended Kirkman Technical School, class of 1975, where he studied carpentry. James worked many years in the Hamilton County Schools workshop. After its closure, he continued on in the maintenance department where he was affectionately known as "Rock". A lover of Tennessee football, good food, four-wheeling, and time spent with family and friends. He also enjoyed taking his camper to the beach to fish and enjoy life. He will be remembered for his "mile-wide" smile and kind nature. Always available to lend a hand and help others. Faithful father, grandpa, sibling and friend. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Katie and Jeff Hill; granddaughter, Lily Hill of Rising Fawn, Georgia; his beloved partner, Cathy Horton of Wildwood, Georgia; former spouse, Deborah Mathis of Rising Fawn; brothers, Chris Mathis, Jeff (Karen) Mathis, and Douglas Nowlin; sister, Kathy Zerwer; many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Susan Murphy. Funeral services are scheduled at the Chapel of W.L. Wilson & Sons Funeral Home, 555 West Cloud Springs Road, Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia on Saturday, September 27, 2025, 2 p.m. with Reverend James Barker officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, September 26, 2025 from 5-8 p.m. and also prior to the service on Saturday, September 27, 2025 from 12-2 p.m. True growth begins when faith says, "Lord, I trust you, even here." Arrangements by W.L. Wilson & Sons Funeral Home, 555 West Cloud Springs Road, Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia.