James Turner Matthews, age 82, of Conway passed away February 28, 2021. James was born May 20, 1938 in Warren, Arkansas. He was reared in Pine Bluff and graduated from Pine Bluff High School in 1956. He attended Arkansas State University where he studied journalism. James played football for the Pine Bluff High School Zebras and served as manager of the football team at Arkansas State. He married is wife Carolyn Matthews on January 11, 1969. They were married for 43 years until her death in 2013.
James started his career with the Cotton Belt Railroad in February 1960. He spent most of his career as a conductor. He was an active member of the United Transportation Union serving as the State Legislative Director at the end of his career.
James was actively involved in the restoration of the 819 Steam Locomotive and was a member of the Arkansas Railroad Historical Society. James was a life long member of Pine Bluff First United Methodist Church and a member of the Pairs and Spares Sunday School class. He was an avid sport fan. He also loved camping and taking vacations with his family. He resided in Pine Bluff until 2012 when he moved to Conway.
James was preceded in death by his parents, James and Jerry Matthews; his wife, Carolyn Matthews; and his son, Michael.
He leaves behind his sister, Shirley Woods of Higden; his son, Mark Matthews (Ellie) of Conway; his daughter, Holly Matthews (Glenna) of Greenbrier; and five grandchildren: Tyler Thurman, Parker Matthews (Charlotte), Trinity Matthews-Ross, Joshua Matthews, and Delia Matthews-Ross.
Visitation and services will be on Thursday, March 4th at Pine Bluff First United Methodist Church. Visitation will begin at 1pm followed by the funeral at 2pm. Interment will be at Memorial Park, Pine Bluff.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Arkansas Railroad Museum, Pine Bluff First United Methodist Church, or Conway First United Methodist Church.
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