James J Matthews

James 'Jim' Matthews went home to be with Jesus on Saturday December 27th, 2025, in Abilene Texas at the age of 93. 

Visitation will be at Elmwood Funeral Home, Tuesday January 6th, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. The funeral service will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Wednesday January 7th at 11:30 am. The interment with military honors will follow at the Abilene Veterans Cemetery at 1:00 pm. 

Jim was born in the Horsham Township of Ambler in southeastern Pennslvania. Jim's parents, Dad - Joseph J. Matthews and Mother - Mary Rita Mayers Matthews, moved the family to North Wales, PA when he was eight years old. As a young adult he enlisted in the Air Force and took the long train ride to Lackland Air Force Base. It was in San Antonio where he met his future bride Maxine Moritz from Fredericksburg TX in 1950. They were married in 1951 and within a month he headed to Korea to serve his country in time of war. Jim also served with distinction in the Vietnam War where he received his Bronze Star for service during the Tet Offensive in 1968. The final military destination was an assignment to Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, TX. Jim worked for the City of Abilene for 16 years after retiring from active service. He then devoted full time volunteer work to Abilene Regional Medical Center for over a decade, receiving Volunteer of the Year Award. 

Jim and Maxine loved the Lord Jesus Christ. They taught their two sons and one daughter the meaning of serving Jesus by loving and caring for those they met. They were long time members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church where Jim served the community as a member of the Knights of Columbus. Jim and Maxine enjoyed bowling at the VFW and being with their family. Jim never shied away from expressing enjoyment for his Philadelphia Eagles, even deep in the heart of Dallas Cowboy country. 

Jim was preceded in death by the love of his life of 69 years, Maxine, and by his sibling brothers Joe, Ray, Gerald and sister Claire and by his grandson SRA Matthew Kennedy. 

He is survived by his sister Ellen Matthews McDermott and her husband Tommy. Jims's children are Michael and wife Terri Matthews, Sandra and husband Bubba Winchester, and David and wife Sherry Matthews all of Abilene 

Grandchildren include Nathan, Hannah, Jenni (spouse Jason), Shari (spouse Colby), Naomi (spouse Wayne), Kevin (spouse Brandi) and Jennifer (spouse James). Also, many-many great grandkids spanning three more generations. 

In lieu of flowers the family request Donations in Jim's honor may be made to St. Jude’s's Children's Research Hospital.