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JAMES MATTHEWS Obituary
JAMES R. MATTHEWS Feb. 18, 1932 - Feb. 22, 2012
On Wednesday, February 22, 2012, Jimmy Matthews, currently of Asheville, NC, formerly of Washington DC, passed away. Jimmy is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary Ann; four children, Jimbo, Michael, Patrick Matthews and Leigh Ann Smith; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Jimmy Matthews was born and raised in Washington, DC, where he graduated from Anacostia High School in 1951 and George Washington University in 1955. He then taught for 35 years at Oxon Hill High School and retired from the classroom in 1990. He continued coaching the OHHS Girls Softball team until 1994, when he moved to Asheville, NC. He officiated high school and small college football for 55 years in Maryland, Washington DC, and Asheville, NC. Jimmy was a friend to all, loved by many, and will be sorely missed. There will be a gathering of family and friends at Casey Jones, 417 E. Charles Street, La Plata, Maryland, on Saturday, May 19 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
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Memories and Condolences
for JAMES MATTHEWS
John smallwood
May 8, 2023
Greatest coach ever. And a legend in my opinion. Did a lot for young people. I think of him a lot.
John Baggett
March 14, 2023
I remember his room outside in a trailer. He would move the desks to the side so we could race down the middle and see who was fastest. I graduated in 89 and he also taught my Dad!!
Frances McElvey
May 21, 2012
I always paid attention in Mr. Matthew's history class. He had some very clever ways to keep us on task--he'd do that trick with his teeth which you didn't want to miss, and then there was the Fizz, Buzz game to keep us awake. I did learn a lot of history because I wanted to do well in his class. He made our classes exciting, and he was just a very nice man. He loved what he did, and I believe he really liked the kids. I saw him once shopping in Williamsburg many years later, and I was just so happy to see him. He hadn't changed a bit. He will be truly missed. My sympathy to his family.
Jane Yagerhofer Miller, OHHS 64
May 19, 2012
Mr. Matthews was an unforgettable teacher to those of us in the OHHS Class of '64! He could be distracted from US History with a sports question, which everyone enjoyed! Kids always wondered if he was related to Mr. Loren Matthews, another great teacher! I have to admit, though, that my hand would get tired copying the 25 questions to answer from the assigned reading for homework--but I learned so much! Mr. Matthews, some day we'll join you on the Clipper Ship that sails forever! God bless!
Kolleen McGrath
May 18, 2012
Mr. Matthews....the heart, the soul, the pride of the Clippers. As a teacher....you were able to reach and teach, as a coach....you instilled confidence and skill, as a friend...to many ... you defined that term for us. God Bless You Coach. RIP...Your physical presence will be missed, but, you will live on through the deeds, actions and thoughts of those whose lives you touched and influenced....Thanks for everything. Kolleen McGrath, 1977
Joe Mazza
May 17, 2012
RIP Mr. Matthews.
Sharon Hamil
May 17, 2012
I had Mr. Matthews for history class. He was one unforgettable teacher--charismatic personality and very approachable. I'm sorry to hear of his passing. Sharon (Stommel) Hamil, class of 1964.
Marcia Dietz
May 16, 2012
Mr. Matthews was loved by so many people,he is in good company. From all the Dietz children.
David Chance
May 16, 2012
All of us in the OHHS Class of 1964 are saddened to hear of Mr. Matthews passing. He was much loved and appreciated and will continue to have an influence in our lives.
John Smallwood
May 15, 2012
Mr. Matthews, was the greatest coach a kid could have. I think of him often, and I am saddened by his loss. I can picture him teaching us the fundamentals like it was yesterday. I truly loved mr. Matthews. He was one in a million.
Patricia Mackne
May 15, 2012
Cousin Jimmy, I miss you and miss our mutual times at Oxon Hill High. God bless you and your family.
Cousin Patty Purks Mackne
Class of OHHS 1961
Victoria Hanbury Howard
May 15, 2012
What a great coach and a great guy in general. Loved having had him in school as did my Mom. Cheers to you, Coach!
May 15, 2012
RIP Mr. Matthews You were a great coach & a Greater Man. I will always remenber you from the time we @ Oxon Hill Boys Club dreaded to play against you @ Silver Hill Boys Club to playing for you @ OHHS. An uncountable amount of Men & Women have and still do look up to you & your teachings. Jack McClanahan OHHS 77
Bev Card
May 14, 2012
A wonderful friend and colleague. You made a difference for hundreds of students and staff. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary Lou Orem Cumberlin
May 14, 2012
RIP Mr. Matthews! Keep teaching the teams up there in Heaven. They'll have the best teams with you as their Coach.
Mary Lou Orem Cumberlin Class of 1979.
Dorce Watts
May 14, 2012
Coach Matthews,Before we were saying "Keep It Real" you ALWAYS kept it real with us students.You were an Inspiration to so many of us and you were one of the few Teachers that could relate to many of us due to your outright honesty and cool demeanor..I can say that you were one who had a tremendous impact on all who came in contact with you.You were and always will be one of The Greatest OHHS Clippers to ever BREATHE.......Rest In Peace Coach,You Played The Game And You Called The Game.....Dorce G Watts,Jr......Sugarbear....Class Of 1979
Paul Willis
May 14, 2012
Loved mr matthews RIP guys like u sir are few and far between made me a better hitter and person .
May 14, 2012
May God Bless you Mr. Matthews you will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing you. A legend in the history of the Clippership. For all the football parties and personal visits to your home and making me fill like a part of the family, I thank you and will always remember those memories. Mona, Jimbo, Leigh Ann and Patrick no one needs to tell you how great of a man you had as a father. One of my favorite movies is "Remember the Titans". I think it reminds me of the Clipper Football family we had. Mr. Matthews men like you assured no discord in race realation when it came to the bussing integration in the early to mid 70's. You are a big part of why I am so proud to be a Clipper. Mona and Jimbo love you guys and I will miss him.
Kevin Chase, Class of 1977
Quarteback # 14
Co-Captian Mike Matthews and Gary Jackson
Nancy Purks
May 13, 2012
Farewell Cuz! You were great and you will not be forgotten. May you rest in peace. OHHS 65
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