James William Matthews

Jim was born in the summer of 1934 in Belleview, Iowa to William (Bill) and Alice (Dunn) Matthews. He and his brother Dick grew up in Spencer, South Dakota where they were known as quite the troublemakers. Jim attended Spencer High School where he was active in sports and enlisted in the US Army after graduation. He served in the Army during the Korean War – but as Jerrie would lovingly remind everyone – he didn’t serve “in” the War. He was a paratrooper and spent most of his Army career in Germany -where he also had his first taste of pizza. Pizza remained a favorite meal.

After his service in the Army, Jim attended Huron College in Huron, South Dakota, majoring in physical education and lived above the fire hall where he received free board in exchange for answering fire calls. Jim later transferred to and graduated from South Dakota State University. He met his wife of over 62 years, Geraldine (Jerrie) DeWall at Huron College while Jerrie was obtaining her teaching degree and they were married in the summer of 1962.

Jim worked for the US Fish and Wildlife Service from 1960 – 1994 dedicating his career to waterfowl biology and advancing to a Regional Manager. He and his family lived on wildlife refuges across the Midwest United States. He started his career at Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge, South Dakota, moving to Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge, North Dakota where they welcomed their daughter, Jodie Anne. Their next move was to Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge in Valentine, Nebraska, where Richard Michael (we’ll call him Mike) was born, then onto what would be their favorite refuge, Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge in North Dakota.

The US Fish and Wildlife service eventually took them to Arvada, Colorado where he and Jerrie raised their family. They moved in the late 1980s to Peachtree City, Georgia (with regional management responsibilities for National Wildlife Refuges in Georgia, Florida and Puerto Rico) as one of his last posts. They returned to Colorado where Jim retired and he and Jerrie officially moved to the Colorado mountains, residing in Buena Vista, Colorado for 15 years. Jim was an avid reader and served on the board of the Buena Vista Library.

Throughout all their moves Jim was an avid hunter (with his labs), runner, hiker and skier. With Jerrie either by his side or cheering him on, he competed in numerous races, several marathons and hiked over 30 of Colorado’s fourteeners.

Their grandson, Ethan Matthews, was born in 2005 and they made the decision to move from the mountains back to Arvada, Colorado to be near family. Jim shared his love of cribbage and he and Jerrie were actively involved grandparents.

While back on the front range, Jim and Jerrie enjoyed traveling for pleasure (instead of work) – many of their trips were spent visiting Jodie or on sister’s reunions. Ardent gardeners, since their first year of marriage, they maintained a vibrant garden plot with the Arvada Community Garden. Jim loved to work out at the YMCA and play weekly bridge games.

If you knew Jim, you knew that he had a reputation up until the last moment as a fighter and tough SOB. Jerrie would tell you that he is tough on the outside but so sweet on the inside. This was evident in their lasting love for each other.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Richard (Dick) Matthews. He is survived by his loving wife, Jerrie, daughter Jodie, son Mike (Ondrea), grandson Ethan, and sister-in-law, Sally Matthews and nieces.

Contributions may be made to the Arvada Community Garden with a note “in memory of Jim Matthews”.

Zelle: [email protected]

Check: Arvada Gardeners c/o John Ruckman, 5206 Allison Street #215, Arvada, CO 80002