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BORN
1961
DIED
2019
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James Matthews Obituary
Jim Matthews, who quietly and courageously fought the beast called cancer for nearly five years, died February 21, 2019 at his West Toledo home. He had just turned 58.
Jim loved to play golf, loved cheering on the Buckeyes, but more than anything, he deeply loved his family. He married his cherished Mary-Beth McLaughlin in 1996, and together they raised their two beautiful daughters, Caitlin Suzanne and Colleen Marie.
While Jim will not be physically present to see Caitlin graduate from John Carroll University this spring or Colleen collect her degree from The Ohio State University next year, boy did he enjoy visiting them both! Whether it was a Homecoming tailgate or Parents Weekend, Jim was so proud to be there for his girls. They are so grateful that their dad was able to meet so many of their friends and their families.
Born Feb. 2, 1961 in Toledo to the late James and Suzanne Matthews, Jim graduated from Start High School in 1979 and earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Toledo. He took such joy in taking care of his family and home, especially his lawn. For many years, he worked in landscape sales and his own yard was as finely manicured as a putting green. He would paint Script Ohio on the front lawn when the Buckeyes took on That Team Up North and chose a guest each year to dot the i. Jim and Mary-Beth hosted many a fine OSU-Michigan party.
Jim was friendly to all ("Jim Matthews, Toledo, Ohio, damn glad to meet you!"), loyal to his friends, and uninhibited around most everyone. If he thought it, he said it. You couldn't hold him back. A funnier man you would be hard-pressed to find.
He leaves behind Mary-Beth, Caitlin, and Colleen. He also is survived by his sister, Carolyn (Mike) Challender; brothers, Joe (Jeanette) Matthews and Steve Matthews (Deb McGee); nieces, Suzanne Reineke (Weston Reinbolt) and Jacquelyn Reineke; nephews, J.P. and Jack Matthews, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. His sister, Catherine Reineke, preceded him in death last year.
Friends may visit with the family from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 24. 2019, at Urbanski Funeral Home, A Life Celebration Home, 5055 Secor Road, Toledo (419) 475-5055. The family will be receiving friends on Monday, February 25, 2019 from 11:30 until noon in Christ the King Catholic Church, 4100 Harvest Lane where the funeral mass will begin at noon.
Memorial contributions may be made to Good Grief of Northwest Ohio, 7015 Spring Meadows Drive West, Holland, OH 43528, an organization that provides support to grieving children and their families. You may also make donations through the Good Grief website, https://goodgriefnwo.org.
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Memories and Condolences
for James Matthews
Sponsored by Urbanski Funeral Home - Secor Location.
Jay Lake
February 18, 2025
Big fist bump my friend. Our Buckeyes did it! I know you were watching every second. Oh and ours doesn't have an asterisk. :)
Anne Porter-Quinn
February 25, 2019
My dearest Mary-Beth: I am so sorry I cannot be with you for Jim's services. I will always remember meeting Jim for the first time at your wedding. He was so warm and had the greatest smile ever. And when I saw your happiness, I knew you had found the best person to share your life with. My heart breaks for you and your girls that he had to die so soon. Peace be with you my dear friend. Love and blessings.
February 25, 2019
Sad day, Jim and I worked together at LESCO a long time ago and shared many laughs and good times. Peace to you my friend and our thoughts and prayers are with the Matthews family.
Todd & Michelle Gaynier
Kay (Mason) and Kevin Pool
February 24, 2019
We will always remember the fun times during high school with Jim and the gang....Beaver Club and the memorable Speedway Jam to name a few. Always a smile on his face and abounding laughter. Rest in peace dear friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Marybeth, Caitlin, Colleen and the Matthews Family at this difficult time.
Alberto Martinez
February 24, 2019
Thanks Jim for the good moments; they were not to many but the short amount I have of them, had been with me for many, many years and will be until the end of my life. My deeply condolences to anyone who had the fortune of being part of his life....
John Bergener
February 23, 2019
The party never began until Jim appeared. One of his best friends was his Old Pal Sunny. Born on Groundhog Day he made a pilgrimage to see Punxsutawney Phil one February. The little rodent was so happy he proclaimed six extra months of summer. You always knew when Jim was coming or going by a license plate that read ''The Chu.'' Jim was known for his play on familiar phrases like ''Smoley Hokes'' or ''no bout a doubt it.'' He knew almost every word to every song by The Eagles. At a get-together one July at Devils Lake he remembered the name of each new arrival. As new guests came he introduced every person in attendance while taking pictures with his new camera. The next day he couldn't recall any name and realized there was no film in his camera. Too many highlights. Now he's reunited with his beloved dog named after his favorite announcer Ernie Harwell.
Kathleen Radford
February 23, 2019
Dear Mary Beth, Colleen and Caitlyn, It is so wrong that this beloved man has been torn from your family. Didn't know Jim that well, but always enjoyed his company. So heartbroken for you and the girls. Praying for you and the girls to get through this horribly sad time and that wonderful memories will provide some comfort with time.
Jay Lake
February 23, 2019
Jim, you wil be missed. A better story teller you will not find. There was none better than the time he met Bobby Knight and they had an exchange about OB's. He taught us all not to take ourselves too seriously and that being silly was ok. Many prayers to Mary Beth and the girls.
Jay Lake
February 23, 2019
Jim, you will be missed. A better story teller you could not find. There may be none as priceless as his meeting Bobby Knight and talking about OB's. He taught us all not to take ourselves too seriously and that being silly was ok. Many prayers to Mary Beth and the girls.
Pat Green
February 23, 2019
Thinking of you, Mary Beth. My heartfelt condolences to you and your girls at this saddest of times.
February 23, 2019
They remain with us -- forever. Our thoughts and prayers to Mary Beth and her beautiful family. Best always, Mike and Judi Sallah
Bill Douthett
February 23, 2019
To a great friend "Jim Matthew's,Toledo, Ohio, damn glad I knew ya." Til we meet again, RIP 2 t's. Love ya!!
Octavia Wayton
February 22, 2019
Good-bye Jim! I will miss your warm smile and your cheerful personality so much! Thank you for sharing your family and all you did for Christ the King, and especially for me, when I was having my own health issues. You always had my back and I'll always be thankful I had the pleasure to know you!! All my love to Mary Beth, Colleen, & Caitlyn!!
Jim Graven
February 22, 2019
Steve & Family: I am sorry for your loss. We will be praying for your family.
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Urbanski Funeral Home - Secor Location5055 Secor Rd, Toledo, OH 43623
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