Jessie ‘James’ Matthews, 79, passed away Sunday evening, Oct. 30, 2011, at Nash General Hospital. James was born in Nash County on Feb. 3, 1932. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse Matthews and Iva Winstead Matthews, his son Daniel Matthews, his grandson James (Jamie) Clarence Brake, Jr., and his brother Roger Matthews.

 He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Barbara Ann Cooper Matthews; his children, Ronnie Matthews and wife, Gale, of Nashville, Glenn Matthews, and wife Denise, of Whitakers, Ann Wilmoth and husband Phillip of Jonesville; five grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; brothers, Guilford Matthews and Winston Matthews; sisters, Lois Jean Farmer and Margaret Mayo; and special cousin/friend Bobbie Lee (Jean) Matthews.

Visitation will be at Cornerstone Funeral Home in Nashville on Wednesday, November 2 at 1 p.m., with Rev. Walt Cooper conducting funeral services at 2:30 p.m. Burial will follow at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. The family will also receive visits at the home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Skill Creations, 811 Western Blvd., Tarboro, NC 27886.