James “J.W.” Mathis, 92, of Collinsville and formerly of Collinsville and Granite City, Illinois passed away at the Care Center of Center Grove in Edwardsville on Monday, December 7, 2020. He was born July 4, 1928 in Dover, Tennessee, a son of the late James Walter and Cynthia (Taylor) Mathis. He married Margaret A. (Finch) Mathis on December 27, 1952 in Cornith, Mississippi and she passed away on January 30, 2011. He retired as a laborer in 1990 from National Steel after many years of service as a 3rd helper on Basic Oxygen Furnace line. He was a member of New Community Church of the Nazarene in Collinsville and former member of the Church of the Nazarene in Granite City. He enjoyed his days of fishing and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals Baseball fan. J.W. always enjoyed his times spent back home in Dover, Tennessee and will be remembered for the love and special times shared with his family and friends. He is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Steven and Elisha Mathis of Lafayette, Louisiana; a daughter and son-in-law, Brenda and Kevin Mestel of Collinsville; five grandchildren and spouses, Scott and Janet Mestel, Justin and Ashley Mathis, Holly and Brent Golden, Jaxon Mathis and Addison Mathis; five great grandchildren, Austin Mestel, Wyatt Golden, Cameron Golden, Layton Golden and Mason Forlani; three brothers, Glen Mathis of Granite City, Larry Mathis of Dover and Roland Mathis of Dover; a sister, Ollie Bryant of Dover; many nieces; nephews; other extended family and friends. In addition to his beloved wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Luther Mathis and a sister, Annie Yarborough.
In celebration of his life, a private visitation and funeral service will be held at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road in Granite City on Thursday, December 10, 2020 with Reverend Richard Unger officiating. Burial will follow at Lake View Memorial Gardens in Fairview Heights, Illinois. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association and may be accepted at the funeral home. www.irwinchapel.com
