James "Jim" Richard Mattix's Obituary
Decatur – James “Jim” Mattix, 80 of Decatur passed away peacefully in St. Mary’s Hospital at 3:05 p.m. December 11, 2015, surrounded by his family.
Jim was born December 2, 1935, the son of John Robert & Redith (Horton) Mattix in Tuscola, IL. He married Rose Johanns on September 8th, 1956 in Decatur at St. James Catholic Church. Jim retired from Firestone Tire Manufacturing Plant after 34 years of service and was a proud URW/USW union member. He served his country in the US Army during the Korean Conflict, was a 32nd Degree Mason, an IFR-rated private pilot and was a consummate perfectionist when it came to his home remodeling or the many wood working projects that he undertook in his spare time. He loved being a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, watching the Chicago Bears, Cubs and University of Illinois football/basketball games, his dog Buddy and NASCAR.
Surviving is his wife Rose Mattix of Decatur, IL, sister Myrna Mattix of Honolulu, HI, two sons Jeff Mattix of Decatur, IL and Greg Mattix of Aurora, IL, five grandchildren Joseph (Nicole) of Joliet, IL, Ashley of Elizabethtown, KY, Leah of Nashville, TN, Matthew of Oswego, IL, and Allison of Aurora, IL, and three great grandchildren Madeline, Jamie, Ella and a grandson on the way!
Jim had many special friends at both the Moose Lodge #684 and Elk Lodge #401. He was many things to many people and could always be depended upon for the task at hand. Special thanks to Dr. Heim, Dr. Raqeem and the nurses and aides on the sixth floor at St. Mary’s hospital for making his final days as comfortable as possible.
Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at Cartwright Cemetery in Douglas County. Liturgical prayers will be recited at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 15, 2015, at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 North Oakland Avenue, Decatur, IL, following the family will receive friends for a time of visitation from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mooseheart Charities at http://www.moosecharities.org/.
The family of James Mattix is being served by Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2801 N. Monroe Street, Decatur, IL. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.moranandgoebel.com.
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?