Official Obituary of
James Wiley Clark Matthews
October 16, 1940 ~ June 3, 2025 (age 84) 84 Years Old
James Matthews Obituary
James Wiley Clark "Jimmy" Matthews, age 84, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2025, in his hometown of Lakeland, Florida. He was born on October 16, 1940, to the late James Thomas Matthews Jr. and Mary Carr Matthews.
A lifelong resident of Polk County, Jimmy attended Lakeland and Kathleen High School. He dedicated his life to agriculture as a rancher, farmer, and cattleman. He was an active member of the Kathleen Masonic Lodge 338, the Scottish Rite, and the Florida Cattlemen's Association.
Jimmy had a deep love for the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing baseball and football and competed as a rodeo cowboy.
He is survived by his loving wife, Judith Ann Matthews; his son, Cody Matthews (Lorie); and his sister, Ella Matthews. As well as his grandchildren, Chenoa Smith (Brandon) and Chyanne Sargent (Kyle), and great-grandchildren Caelan, Callum, and Addison.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Larry Matthews
Jimmy will be remembered for his strong work ethic, devotion to his family, and commitment to his community. He was a member of Green Pond Baptist Church. His legacy will live on in the lives he touched and the land he so dearly loved. He will be deeply missed.
Online condolences can be made at www.lanier.care.
Funeral arrangements were trusted to Lanier Funeral and Cremation Services, 717 Griffin Road Lakeland, FL 33805, (863) 687-3996
A lifelong resident of Polk County, Jimmy attended Lakeland and Kathleen High School. He dedicated his life to agriculture as a rancher, farmer, and cattleman. He was an active member of the Kathleen Masonic Lodge 338, the Scottish Rite, and the Florida Cattlemen's Association.
Jimmy had a deep love for the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing baseball and football and competed as a rodeo cowboy.
He is survived by his loving wife, Judith Ann Matthews; his son, Cody Matthews (Lorie); and his sister, Ella Matthews. As well as his grandchildren, Chenoa Smith (Brandon) and Chyanne Sargent (Kyle), and great-grandchildren Caelan, Callum, and Addison.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Larry Matthews
Jimmy will be remembered for his strong work ethic, devotion to his family, and commitment to his community. He was a member of Green Pond Baptist Church. His legacy will live on in the lives he touched and the land he so dearly loved. He will be deeply missed.
Online condolences can be made at www.lanier.care.
Funeral arrangements were trusted to Lanier Funeral and Cremation Services, 717 Griffin Road Lakeland, FL 33805, (863) 687-3996
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