James Robert Matthews

James Robert Matthews, 84, of Fort Wayne, left us to be with the Lord on a beautiful January day. He was called home to be reunited to be with his loved ones. He was born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina on a warm wonderful spring day. June 14, 1932 he grew into a fine young man. He graduated from Rocky Mount High School on June 1st 1951. On June 21st he enlisted into the United States Air Force. He Served in the Korean War 1953-1954. He was then assigned to Lockbourne Air Force Base, Groveport, Ohio. He was assigned to search and rescue. His assignments were Clinton County Airforce Base Wilmington Ohio 1960-1961; Forbes Air Force Base 1961 September 1963 Stead Air Force Base 1963-April 1968 Baffin Bay, Thule Greenland 1968 to December 1968. His new assignment in 1969 was West Lafayette Indiana as Air Force Recruiter. He was top recruiter of the month many times and in 1970 he earned top recruiter in the United States. He was married to Esther (Wycuff) Matthews on Easter Sunday 1956 at the First Presbyterian Church on a very crisp day. He is the Father of Carolyn Marlene Bell and Son James Robert II. Besides his wife Esther, Carolyn and James (Jay), he has 4 grandchildren David Slade Bell, Esther Marlene Bell, James Thomas Matthews and Mary Clare Matthews; son In-law Alan Bell and daughter in-law Maureen Evelyn(Molly) McCarthy Matthews. He was also survived by nephews Butch Matthews, Alan Matthews, Sammie Mathews, Michael Matthews and Nieces Karen Yanco, Cindy Yanco, Lisa Yanco Coe, Teresa Edwards, and Joan Wegman. He was preceded in death by his parents James Thomas Mathews, Mother Manson Gladys (Robinson) Mathews. He will be buried in Highland Park Cemetery in Fort Wayne, IN.