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James Coffey Matthews, Gentleman Jim, a wonderful and loving husband, father and grandfather passed away Oct. 14, 2000. He was born March 13, 1921 in Owosso. He spent his youth in nearby St. Johns, later attending Michigan State and graduating from Albion College in 1943. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving with distinction in the Pacific Theater, receiving honorable discharge in 1945.

After the war, Jim returned home to St. Johns where he married Jean Crowell, for whom he was a loving husband until she preceded him in death in 1994. Upon his return to St. Johns, he took over management of Matthews Ice Cream from his father, Joseph Matthews and operated the family business successfully until its sale in 1965. After the sale of the business, Jim and Jean moved their family to Arizona. Jim spent the majority his career in Arizona as a real estate broker in the Carefree/Cave Creek area, most recently with Gail Wilson Realty.

Throughout his life Jim was a sports enthusiast. He was an avid and skillful golfer, playing and winning many amateur tournaments. He was a past president of the St. Johns Rotary Club, a past president of the Carefree Board of Realtors and a past member of the Carefree Kiwanis.

Jim was a wonderfully warm and loving father who served as an inspiration to his children throughout his life. He will be remembered warmly and will be deeply missed by children, grandchildren and his many friends. He is survived by his son, Todd Matthews; his daughters, Cathy Clifton and Melissa Matthews; five grandchildren Meghan, Danika, Kelsey and Logan Matthews and Morgan Milmore; daughter-in-law, Bonnie Matthews; sons-in-law, Richard Hyman and Roland Milmore.

A Remembrance will be held March 10, 2001 in Scottsdale, Ariz. Memorials may be made to Phoenix Children's Hospital, 1111 E. McDowell Rd„ Phoenix, Ariz., 85006 or to the March of Dimes, 1616 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, Ariz., 85016. Arrangements were by Messinger Indian School Mortuary, Scottsdale, Ariz.