James "Matty" C. Matthews

James ‘Matty’ C. Matthews Sr., 83, of Reedsville, passed away Saturday, July 25, 2020, at his home surrounded by his family.

Born April 1, 1937 in Lewistown, he was a son of the late Raymond William and Emma (McCartney) Matthews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by: siblings, Raymond Matthews and Joyce Borman; and a special aunt, Grace McCartney.

He is survived by: a wife, Pamela C. (Lisek) Matthews; children, James C. Matthews Jr. and wife, Alison, of Montoursville, Wayne E. Matthews, of Lewistown, Michele K. Conners and husband, Andrew of Conshohocken, James ‘Jay’ V. Bender Jr., of Lewistown, Shawn A. Bender and wife, Latisha, of Arizona, Danielle M. Hartsock and husband, Tobias, of Lewistown; 14 grandchildren; and a sister, Diana Foley and husband, Derek of Texas.

He was a graduate of Chief Logan High School, class of 1956 “The Very Best”. 

James was a butcher at the Giant Store, where he retired.

James was a dedicated member of Vira United Methodist Church where he displayed his love of helping others. Jim spent hours volunteering in the MCC’s Mobile Meat Caning Project, which helps feed the less fortunate around the world. Jim also put his charismatic public-speaking abilities on display each year in Vira’s Christmas play.

Jim was also a long-time volunteer at the Lumina Center in Lewistown.

He was a member of Trout Unlimited. He cherished his dog, Lady Ruth, and Poesy the cat. James was an avid Penn State wrestling fan and Penn State football fan.  He was an usher for the football games for more than 30 years. 

Jim was an avid bicyclist who shared his love of the sport with his family and used it to help others. Throughout his life, Jim built bikes for several members of his family and supported them in events they participated in. Jim also rode in multiple events across the country in which he raised funds for several charitable organizations, including MS and Livestrong. Jim created the Ray Matthews Memorial ALS Ride, to raise funds to fight the disease in honor of his late brother. Jim and Pam also traveled to Europe to attend the Tour de France four times.

A receiving of friends will be held from 1 pm to 2 pm, Friday, July 31, 2020, at Vira Methodist Church, with a memorial service to follow at 2 pm, with Pastor Josh Randolph and Rev. Steve Swigart officiating.

We will be following CDC recommendations; facial coverings will be required, and social distancing is required.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the ALS Association, 321 Norristown Road, Suite 260, Ambler PA, 19002 or Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, 400 University Drive Hershey, PA 17033.

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