James Matheson Obituary

James Matheson

James passed into the loving arms of God, February 4, 2015, peacefully and grateful for a life lived well.
Dearly devoted husband and father, to beloved Joyce and sons Michael and Mark. Dearest brother-in-law to Jess, Marilyn, and William. Cherished niece and nephew Martina, David and Lita and their blessings Lily and Levi. Loving cousins and extended family on the east coast and into Canada. As a child, James began a long rewarding life of music and though he became quite proficient on a variety of woodwinds, it would be with the oboe that he would excel. Before joining the 6th Army Band at the Presidio, James had performed in youth orchestras, rose bowl parades, dance bands and movies. After his service, he completed his degree as SF State, toured with Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops, joined the Portland Symphony, then the San Francisco Symphony and San Francisco Opera orchestras. James did extensive committee work for both the SF Symphony and SF Opera orchestras. He served as a member of the Executive Board of Musicians Union Local 6 for many years. James enjoyed teaching at home, at SF State, and Stanford, where he was one of the founding members of the Stanford Woodwind Quintet. His artistry was also evident through his ability to repair instruments and was skilled at reed making. James shared a fruitful membership with the Bohemian Club of San Francisco. He read extensively, enjoyed travel and donated generously.
All of us he touched, family and friends, benefited.
Family and friends may visit Thursday, February 19, from 6:00-9:00pm and are invited to attend the Graveside Service on Friday, February 20, at 1:00pm at Skylawn Memorial Park, San Mateo.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Feb. 13 to Feb. 18, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for James Matheson

5 Entries

Bonnie Williamson

March 15, 2015

Words can't describe how grateful I am
to have known Mr. Matheson as person and music teacher. What a great and kind person. I heard so many wonderful things about his life and family. In my last encounter with him I brought him a water melon as he told me they weren't tasting so great over there. I told him I was passing through and would bring him one from the valley. When he saw me at his front door holding this enormous thing his eyes where bright. I knew it was our last meeting. He hugged me goodbye for the first time and I knew it was our last meeting. I never stopped calling him Mr. Matheson over 35 years. He'll always be that to me.

Angie Person

March 5, 2015

The news of Jim's passing breaks my heart. He was my mentor and friend for many years while I studied at San Francisco State, and for many years after. Although I moved away from the city and was not able to see him often, I thought of him often and we never failed to at least exchange Christmas cards. He taught me more than just how to play the oboe, he saw my potential, patiently encouraged me, and helped me understand how to move beyond technique and truly make music lyrical and beautiful. He always greeted me with a smile and was always happy to spend extra hours showing me the ins and outs of instrument repair and reed-making. I will always miss those times we spent in his little music room that was packed to the brim with various instruments, parts, tools, reed supplies, random bits and pieces of who-knows-what. What a kind and wonderful man, and I am excited for him to be reunited with his sweet Joyce.

Dennis LaMountain

February 16, 2015

Mark,

As one of your dad's "East Coast" cousins, I did not get to see him nearly as often as I would have liked. Yet, I was with him often enough to appreciate what a loss it must be for you at this point in time. I never got to meet Jim's dad, but your grandmother (Stella) was a remarkable person - as was your father!

As you are no doubt aware, your dad was interested in much more than music. On his trips to Virginia, he demonstrated how fascinated he was with history, art, architecture and, especially other people. Regardless of where we went, he read EVERY plaque at every museum or historical site. Then, he bought at least one book to remind him of each place we had visited.

And, of course, his sense of humor was always present and his smile was absolutely contagious.

Your dad was ALWAYS welcome at our home in Virginia. And, Mark, you are as well.

Paul Taylor

February 16, 2015

Dear Mathesons, please accept my deepest condolences at the passing of a true friend to so many. A gifted person and musician, Jimmy was a fine and treasured colleague to our father Ross Taylor, founder of the California Wind Quintet. Jimmy, a chamber musician of highest achievement played and championed Ross's arrangments throughout his career. His demonstrated dedication to getting much of Ross's music published postumously was a rare blessing and gave heartwarming continuity from our father's legacy towards our mother and myself. Jimmy was a fruly lovely person, amazing grace and humor. Deepest gratitude and respect, Paul Wegman Taylor

February 16, 2015

Offering my condolences to the Family. May you draw comfort from God during this sad time.

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