James M. Matson
November 24, 2015
Date of Service: December 1, 2015
Interment Location: Christus Garden
James M. Matson, 83, Johnson City, TN passed away Tuesday, November 24, 2015 at Cornerstone Village. A native of Johnson City, he was a son of the late Thomas E. and Della Bellamy Matson. Mr. Matson proudly served his country in the United States Army. He was a graduate of Science Hill High School. Mr. Matson furthered his education at East Tennessee State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Art, then at Maryland Institute of Art, where he earned his Masters of Art. He moved to the Baltimore area in 1962 where he lived for 50 years and had many great friends and neighbors. Mr. Matson taught art to many special students during a 31 year career at Johnson & Lincoln Elementary, Kingsport, TN, Middle River Jr. High, Hereford Jr./Sr. High, Woodlawn Middle and Perry Hall High all in Baltimore County, MD. He orchestrated numerous art shows and exhibits and supported many sporting and school activities. Mr. Matson enjoyed woodworking and hunting but was most passionate about art and fishing. He also had a strong love for all pets and animals. In addition to his parents, Mr. Matson was preceded in death by his sisters, Mildred Boyd and her husband, Shelby, Helen Blevins and her husband Oscar and Mallie Mercer and her husband Marion; brother, Thomas E. Matson II; brothers-in-law, Tom Milam and Joe Fann.
Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 51 years, Yvonne Fair Matson of Johnson City; a son, Lyle Matson of Shrewsbury, PA; a daughter, Laurie Matson of Key West, FL; sisters, Nita Milam of Kingsport, TN and Mary Fann of Johnson City, TN; and many special nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Courtyards of Johnson City for the loving care given to Mr. Matson.
The family requests your presence to share memories on Monday, November 30, 2015 from 5:00PM until 7:00PM at Tetrick Funeral & Cremation Services, Johnson City. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 7:00PM in the Sunrise Chapel with Rev. James Cambron officiating. A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00AM on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at Happy Valley Memorial Park, Elizabethton. Attendees are asked to gather at the funeral home by 10:15AM to follow in procession. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. For those who prefer in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given in memory of Mr. Matson to the Alzheimer’s Association, 207 N. Boone Street #1500, Johnson City, TN 37604.
Memories and condolences may be shared and viewed online at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com. Tetrick Funeral & Cremation Services, 3001 Peoples Street, Johnson City, TN 37604, (423) 610-7171 is honored to serve the Matson Family.
