Read MSgt. James "Jim" Albert Mathis II's Obituary & Leave Condolences

In memory of

MSgt. James "Jim" Albert Mathis II

Minot, ND, USA

January 20, 1960 - December 29, 2020

Jan 20, 1960 - Dec 29, 2020

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James Albert Mathis II was born on January 20, 1960 and he lived life to the fullest until his passing on December 29, 2020 at the age of 60 years 11 months. His birthplace was Yuba City, California and we hardly ever held that against him. After traveling the world he chose Minot, North Dakota as home.

He was the favorite son of James and Patricia and brother to 4 sisters. After graduating from Ware County HS he married Cindy Justice of Waycross and shortly after he followed in his father's footsteps to join the US Air Force. He was one of the twelve United States Air Force Outstanding Airman of the year in 1984, and shook hands with President Ronald Reagan in the oval office.
Among the places he was stationed were Hawaii, where their only child Jimmy was born. And Alaska, probably where he developed his love of cold weather. He retired in 2003 and decided North Dakota was more to his liking. Evidently, they have a large Norwegian population up there because Jim always had new 'Sven and Ollie' jokes to share with us on his many visits to south Georgia, which were usualy in the winter months.

Jim's passion was helping his family, friends and neighbors with all kinds of projects. He was definitely a Jack (or JIM) -of-All-Trades. If he couldn't figure it out by himself, he'd just pray about it and sure enough, in the morning it would come to him. His sisters lovingly called him their "Brother MacGyver".

Jim loved his family, he loved his Fun Lovin' sisters, and he loved his church. But most of all, he loved Jesus and never missed an opportunity to share his faith; even to the end, which for Jim was his New Beginning.

The verses he chose as an "anchor" during his very short battle with cancer are found in Psalms 103: 1-3 KJV
"Bless the Lord , O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
Bless the Lord , O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;"

In his own words, Jim has said, "Here I am going through what should be the darkest days of my life and the Lord has, true to His Nature, turned it into the greatest thing that ever happened in my entire life! I am closer to the Lord now than I ever have been before. It's a feeling that I can only explain as 'euphoric'. I am having the best time ever between me and my Lord; He speaks to my heart daily encouragement, strength, and just letting me know that He has His loving arms around me.”

Jim fought a valiant fight against stage IV cancer and the COVID-19 virus, but it was his heart that allowed him to slip peacefully away to those Loving Arms.

Jim was preceded in death by his grandparents Raeford and Ruby Mathis, Whit and Bertha Wynn. Also his father, James A Mathis I and two brother-in-laws, Mike Myers and David Leggett along with 5 aunts, Mary M (Lowell) Smoot, Emily (Jim) Stewart, Mavis 'Osburn' (Ed) Stone, Jonelle Strickland and 3 uncles, Henry (Mary) Wynn, Raeford (Helen) Mathis and Donnie Mathis.

He is survived by his mother, Patricia J Mathis of Waycross, GA, 1 aunt, Norma J Mathis of Jesup, GA, and 1 uncle, Harry Strickland of Palatka, FL.
Jim had one son, James W (Teresa) Mathis also in the Air Force, two grandchildren (Judith) Lily and Logan of Clarendon, Tx, and 1 step-great-granddaughter, Mya (her parents and 2 uncles) of Tennessee.

Also surviving are 4 sisters, Pamela 'Myers' (David) Byers of Temple, TX, Janet Leggett of Waycross, GA, Susan (Tony) Smith of Milton, GA and Diana (Eric) Edwards of Lake Hamilton, FL, former wife, Cindy Mathis of Camden, TN, 2 sib-in-law, Julia and Dudley Justice Jr of Waycross, GA, numerous Cousins, Nieces, Nephews and their families of which he prayed for and cherished. One of his proudest expressions besides "favorite son" was "I'm a GRAND father and A GREAT uncle" and Jim truly was.

It is Jim's wish that he be buried beside his Dad at Oakland Cemetery in Waycross, Georgia. Memorial service and/or graveside service with full Military Honors to be determined.

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