dear father
how deeply i wish you were still here so I could tell at least one time face to face how every day of my life I've loved you.
I hope to meet you there where u have gone.
 dawnmarie

My brother Jim was the oldest of the 7 Matthews children.  At 12 years his junior, I'm the youngest of the seven.  Because of this I have few early memories of my big brother.  I was only 5 or 6 years old when he enlisted in the Navy.  I do recall his visits home on leave.  There would be Jim and few Navy buddies "crashed" on the floor or couch.  I remember thinking how good they looked in their Navy uniforms.
Even though the Vietnam war was going on and Jim was serving on a river boat over there, I knew little about the dangers he faced.  I didn't learn until many years later he received the Navy Commendation Medal for: "Meritorious service while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong communist aggressors.  During 223 combat operations he skillfully supervised his crew and directed a fierce volume of fire into enemy positions during frequent engagements with the enemy.  His professionalism, initiative, and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service".
As I got older I was able to visit Jim when he was stationed in California and Hawaii.  He always showed us a good time.  I was 19 years old and Mom and I went to Hawaii to see Jim and his kids.  He took Mom and I out to the Hale Koa hotel for dinner and a show.  That was memorable because I got pulled onto the stage and was part of "the act" and had to do the Hula on stage in front of the crowd- too funny!  I still have the pictures to prove it.
In recent years Jim visited us in Washington state when he could, but only during the warm summer months of course.  He loved hanging out with family and friends, drinking coffee, having barbeques, and going fishing.  He didn't mind sleeping on peoples couches either.  It probably reminded him of his earlier years and "crashing" on Mom's couch.
He liked to kid around, laugh, and tell stories.  I truly cherish those visits and the memories we made as a family.  Farewell, until we meet again big brother.
Love, your littlest sister, Donna.

Louise and I would like to extend our most sincere condolences to the family at this time of Jim's passing.  My favorite memories of Jim go back to our teenage years when my family would come down to Tacoma for a visit.  Jim, Tommy and I (and sometimes Donnie too) would stray down to the B&I, wander all along South Tacoma Way, or go up to the uninhabited hill that was between their house on Cedar Street and the freeway.  I don't know how we kept from breaking a leg or getting hit by a passing train or who knows what?  Jim was always a steadying force, a friend you could count on - someone you could trust.  Later in life Jim and I passed each other once in Honolulu while I was on active duty in the Navy.  Meeting with Jim was like stepping back into my teenage years - great fun and good conversation.  All in all Jim was always a man you could count on, a man of solid values and firm convictions - an all-around great guy.  We will all miss him - but I'm sure he's gone on to a better place.

OBITUARY

James Alva Matthews Jr.

January 4, 1947 – August 21, 2014

Glen Abbey Memorial Park & Mortuary

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