James Richardson Mattocks

James Richardson Mattocks, 91, a resident of Friends Homes, Greensboro, and formerly of High Point died on September 10, 2010. A memorial service will be held at Jamestown Friends Meeting on Sunday, September 19, 2010 at 3:30 p.m. officiated by Frank Massey and Wallace Sills. The family will receive friends following the service in the meetinghouse fellowship hall.

Born into a family of many generations of Quakers, Jim practiced his Quaker values of peace and justice throughout his life. For many years he served as chairman of the NC Yearly Meeting Society of Friends (Quaker) Peace Committee, and he was a long time board member of the American Friends Service Committee.

During World War II, Jim spent 4 years in Civilian Public Service as a conscientious objector, serving on the Blue Ridge Parkway, at Eastern State Mental Hospital in Virginia, and as a smoke jumper with the U.S. Forest Service in Montana. During the Civil Rights movement Jim participated in the historic march on the courthouse in Selma, Alabama, and he was involved in numerous activities to promote racial justice in the High Point area. He steadfastly participated in peace vigils during the Vietnam War.

Jim helped establish the original legal services project in High Point and served on the board. He also assisted with the Model Cities programs.

A founder of the NC American Civil Liberties Union, he received the Frank Porter Graham Award in 1984 from the NCCLU. He was a past recipient of the Brotherhood Award from the High Point Chapter of the National Council of Christians and Jews. In 1985 the High Point Human Relations Commission named Jim and his wife the “High Point Citizen of the Year”.

An ardent nature lover, Jim was the founder of the Catesby Bird Club in High Point and served as chief nature counselor for the Uwharrie Council of the boy Scouts of American for 20 years. He was also an initial board member for the High Point Environmental Center, which became Piedmont Environmental Center.

Born January 14, 1919 in High Point, NC to Clarence B. and Amanda Richardson Mattocks, Jim graduated from High Point High School in 1934, from High Point College in 1938, and from Duke University Law School in 1941. He practiced law in High Point until his retirement in 1993. He was a member of the High Point Bar Association, the North Carolina Bar Association and the American Bar Association.

Jim is survived by his wife of 69 years, Edith Vance Mattocks, of Friends Homes, Greensboro; 3 sons, James R. Mattocks, Jr. of Greensboro, Clarence V. Mattocks (Martha) of High Point, and Thomas B. Mattocks (Becky) of Greensboro; 5 grandchildren, Wendy Mattocks, Robyn M. Huffstetler (Seth), David, Steven and Michael Mattocks; and 2 great- grandchildren, Eliza and Luke Huffstetler.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Friends of Piedmont Environmental Center, 1220 {Penny Road, High Point, NC 27265 or to Jamestown Friends Meeting, 509 Guilford Road. (P.O. Box 2163), Jamestown, NC 27282.

Sechrest Funeral Service in High Point is assisting the family of Mr. Mattocks. Please share your thoughts and condolences with the family at www.sechrestfunerals.com.