Our gracious Savior welcomed Ernest James “Jim” Matthews into his heavenly home the evening of September 24, 2024 while his loving family sang his favorite hymn, ”The Old Rugged Cross.” His last 16 days were spent at Skagit Valley Hospital in Mt. Vernon, Washington, where he received the kindest and most compassionate care.
Jim was born July 22,1934, in Hamilton, Montana to Ernest and Ada Matthews. Growing up on a farm in Corvallis, MT was a good fit forJim as he enjoyed showing livestock through 4H for seven years. He also had an affinity for baseball, playing pool and shooting marbles. One of the greatest memories of his youth was racing his horse, Flash, in the County Fair and his saddest memory was the day before he went in the Navy when he sold his horse to a neighbor. He said he bawled all the way home.
He graduated from Hamilton High School and promptly entered the NAVY at the young age of 17. While in the Navy he learned the useful trade of barbering. Upon discharging from the Navy, he worked at the Oak Harbor Post Office for an impressive $1.91 per hour. Together with two others, he put his barbering skills to use and became part owner of Bill’s Barber Shop. While barbering, he and one of the partners learned that the community was in dire need of an ambulance driver.They were willing to go through an accelerated first aid course to become qualified to meet this need. In a newspaper article, Jim stated, “We have a regular job to support us and if we don’t make any money on the ambulance we can still afford to live.” Eventually, with a growing family, Jim was compelled to gain a new skill set, so he dedicated himself to 4 years of study and obtained an electrical license. As a Journeyman Electrician he worked until the age of 59 in various locations including Anacortes, Wenatchee and Adak, AK.
For 70 years, Jim was a member of the Oak Harbor Christian Reformed Church and served as a deacon. His faith and love of the Lord grew ever stronger throughout his life. In his later years, especially during family get-togethers, his gratitude for his Savior and his love of family often brought him to tears during prayer.
Throughout his entire life, Jim cherished music. In fact, he was the first boy to join the school choir in his 5th grade year. As an adult, his clear tenor voice blessed many audiences at weddings, church services, and various gatherings. He fostered the love of music in his own family. On their 60th Wedding Anniversary, Jim sang, “Love is Here to Stay” to his blushing bride.
Perhaps on par with his love of music was his love of fishing. He simply could not get enough of the thrill of bringing in a fish whether it was a trout on the shore of Lake Conconully or a King Salmon in the waters by Port Townsend or Lummi Island. Another joy was motorhoming across the states to attend every family reunion, annual camping/fishing trips with friends and spending some winter months chasing the sunshine in Southern California.
Things we’ll remember about Jim/Dad/Gramps: his flannel shirts, hankies, pipe and sweet-smelling tobacco; his skillful, helping hands and servant heart; his easy smile and genuine interest in everyone; his steady faith and encouragement; his detailed stories; his wise and careful advice and his ingenuity. He was always up for learning new skills. He once decided he’d like to learn to weave so he made a loom and began creating personalized tapestries for many of his loved ones. Learning the art of knitting from his wife, he made countless gifts of slippers, hats, afghans and wash clothes which are priceless to all who received them. Together with Connie, he was a bargain-shopper at weekly garage sales rising early and staying up late to watch whatever evening show caught their fancy.
Jim is survived by his loving bride of 70 years, Connie, as well as his sons, Chad and Curt Matthews, daughters Shannon (Randy) Ross and Shelley (Brian) Farmer, grandchildren Brittany (Chad) Van Soest, Wesley (Sarah Ortega) Dickinson, Kristen (Colin) Blyther, Nathan (Savannah) Ross, Catherine Matthews, Brianne (Francisco) Toledo, Isaac Matthews, Daniel Ross, Levi(Kalie) Dickinson, Renee (Gabe) Trethewey and great-grandchildren Tanner and Luca Dickinson, Boaz and Ellie Trethewey, Lucianna Toledo and Baby Girl Blyther.
Celebration of Life service for Jim will be Saturday, October 5, 2024 at 2:30pm at Oak Harbor Christian Reformed Church, 1411 Wieldraayer Rd, Oak Harbor, WA 98277.
Memorial donations may be made to the Oak Harbor Christian School.
