JAMES MATHEWS

JAMES MATHEWS 09/10/1939 - 10/16/2025 James "Jim" Terral Mathews, USN/USAFR (Ret.), 86, longtime Newalla resident, passed away peacefully Thursday, October 16, 2025, at his home. Jim was born September 10, 1939, in Tulsa, Okla., to Elmo and Violet (Levereth) Mathews. He was raised in Tulsa and graduated from high school there. After high school, Jim joined the U.S. Navy and Air Force Reserves. But, not before meeting the love of his life Doris Ann Petty on July 22, 1958, and making her his darling wife for over 51 years before her passing in 2014. In the military, Jim, with his family alongside him, gave to our country 20 years of faithful service. A particular highlight included receiving a presidential commendation for providing insight to aviation repair procedures allowing for substantial cost savings. His love for airplanes continued after his military service when he began working at Tinker Air Force Base as an airline mechanic. Ever faithful, he gave another 20 years in civil service before retiring from work. Retirement did not mean sitting around in the easy chair for Jim. The various reunions of his military service always had his presence, if possible. As well, He stayed active in his hobbies. He loved to enjoy nature, which included a lifelong passion for fishing. Additionally, he was an incredible gardener and would gift his prized tomatoes and peppers to those he loved. It wasn't just the vegetables, his ornamental plants were incredible examples of each. Another pursuit he mastered was woodworking. Cuckoo clocks of the most intricate detail were assembled with precision and also, gifted to those he loved. The people in Jim's life mattered immensely, just like his adored Yorkshire Terriers. Jim or "Poppy" as they lovingly knew him, was involved and interested in the lives of his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren, fostering deep personal relationships, as he was able. Jim was preceded in death by his cherished wife Doris, his daughters Robyn Parent and Terri Machon, as well as his grandson Justyn Parent. Survivors include his daughter Debbie Harris of Oklahoma City, grandchildren Heather Curtis, Adam Parent, Richard Harris and Mindy Harris-Martz as well as numerous beloved great-grandchildren. To honor Jim's wishes, there will be no public ceremony and he will be laid to rest privately with family. Arrangements are under the direction of Walker Funeral & Cremation Service.