James L. Matthews was born June 11, 1945 to the late Lonnie Matthews and Elizabeth Sconiers Matthews. He graduated as the valedictorian of the class of 1963 at Lillian R. Brown High School. His death was without warning and it appears he died peacefully in his sleep.
He married twice and from these marriages came ten children.
He worked at Florida Fertilizer for many years and later worked at Florida Fence Post Company. He retired and spent his time working in his garden and restoring an antique car.
He was preceded in death by his father Lonnie; sister, Marie M. Lofton, brother, Kelvin Matthews and 2 grandchildren; Precious Johnson and Lawrence Wesley Smith III.
He leaves to mourn his passing a loving mother, Elizabeth S. Matthews; 10 children, Angela Matthews of Plant City, Noreen Sampson (Reggie) of Ft. Meade, Maria Redden (Tim) of Brandon, Ramona Matthews of Tampa, Vicky Johnson of Tampa, Trista Matthews of Apollo Beach, Jamie Lamar Matthews of Wauchula, ShiRhonda Matthews of Orlando, LaQuandra Matthews of Tampa and James Matthews of Nashville, TN. 1 brother, Lonnie C. Matthews (Carethea) Of Palm Bay; 1 sister, Mae M. Robinson (Bill); 24 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and a host of sorrowing nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family will get together for a celebration of life after the Pandemic.