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BORN
1944
DIED
2023
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James Matthews Obituary
Jim graduated from Ralph L. Fike High School and Atlantic Christian College, presently Barton College. He started his career in the tire industry in 1970 with Interstate Tire Company. He joined Merchant's Tire in 1985 and American Tire Distributors in 2000. After retiring from American Tire Distributors in March 2011, Jim and his wife Joan relocated to Seneca, SC.
Jim served as deacon in the First Baptist Church of Wilson. He was a world traveler and an avid baseball card collector. He loved spending time with his family and friends. In his free time, Jim enjoyed practicing his guitar and playing golf.
He is survived by his wife, Joan S. Matthews; daughter, Jennifer Sloper (Mike) of Simpsonville, SC; son, James "Jimmy" Matthews, Jr. (Tatiana) of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren, Carson Sloper, Bennett Sloper, Maximus Matthews and Luna Matthews.
A graveside service will be held at 4:00 pm Saturday at Evergreen Memorial Park with Pastor Chris Thomas officiating.
The family would like to thank Jim's two private caregivers, Brittany and Georgina, the staff at Dominion Senior Living at Patrick Square and Hospice of the Upstate for their compassion while he was in their care.
Should friends desire, memorial donations in Jim's name may be mailed to Alzheimer's Association, Attn: SC Gift Processing, 4600 Park Road, Suite 250, Charlotte, NC, 28209 or Collins Children's Home, 110 Collins Home Drive, Seneca, SC, 29672.
Condolences may be made to Joyner's Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Matthews
Sponsored by Joyner's Funeral Home.
3 Entries
Steve Akridge
August 31, 2023
Dear Joan, Jennifer and Jimmy,
All of us at the VAA were saddened to hear of Jim's passing. He was a true icon in our industry who was well respected by all. I first met Jim in 1990 at the Merchant's headquarters in Manassas. We hit it off from the start, and after about an hour, I felt like I had known him forever. This was the beginning of what would become a long friendship. He was always very supportive of the VAA and our mission, and to me personally. I had the pleasure of presenting him the VAA "Friend of the Industry" Award at our convention just before he retired. He told me he was looking forward to his retirement in western SC and attending some Clemson football games.
It was an honor to have known Jim, and to have called him my friend.
Steve Akridge
Virginia Automotive Association
Richmond, VA
Dave Kavanah
August 25, 2023
Dear Joan, Jennifer and Jimmy,
It was with great sadness that Sharon and I learned of Jim's passing. Our hearts go out to you all and the entire family.
Jim was a great man, mentor and leader, someone the world could use more of.
His passion for life, family, friends and work was unmatched. He in many ways was a life coach for the numerous people he touched and mine was one of those who was fortunate enough to have had the privilege to work for and with Jim.
Sharon and I will always be grateful for his support, respect and friendship that we shared together.
Remember always the Good Times!
Dave & Sharon Kavanah
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