James E. Mathis 74, a lifelong resident of Skagit Valley passed away on November 18, 2015 at his home in Birdsview surrounded by his loving family after a long battle with cancer.
Jim was born in Sedro-Woolley on August 12, 1941, the son of Frank and Bessie Lee (Parker) Mathis. The family made their home in Birdsview, and Jim “Bull” attended school in Concrete, graduating with the class of 1959.
On August 17, 1962 Jim was united in marriage to Georgia Schryer in Hamilton, and Jim and Georgia resided in Hamilton and Concrete before settling in Birdsview at the family farm in 1991.
Jim worked at local shake mills and then for Lone Star Cement until he started operating heavy equipment for logging contractors, working for several companies over the years and finishing his logging days with Dills Creek Logging. Jim enjoyed raising Santa Gertrudis and Simmental cattle, hunting with his hound dogs, collecting pocket knives and loved sharing his vintage Tonka toys with his grandson Zachery.
James is survived by his wife Georgia; their children, Jim Mathis and girlfriend Sidney Hampton of Startup, WA, Sonya Zyskowski and husband Mike of Naches, WA, Vanessa Blair and husband Scott of Mount Vernon, WA, and grandson Zachery Zyskowski, whom he was so proud of! Siblings, Mary Sue Littlefield of Spokane, WA, Blanche Kloes (Loyal) of Salem, OR, Gene Mathis (Janet) of Casa Grande, AZ, Carolyn Bastion of Enumclaw, WA, Gerri Adams (Glenn), Barb Medford (Gary) and Veryle Hitt all of Punkin Center, and Lori Schryer of Kapowsin, WA and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Bessie Mathis; parents-in-law Robert and Veda Schryer; brothers-in-law, Cliff Bastion, Bill Schryer, Roy Queen and Don Hitt; sister-in-law, Phyllis Queen; nephews, Wayne Queen, Michael Adams, Mike Buchanan and Christopher Buchanan, and nieces, Donna Wright and Carolyn Scott.
The family extends a special thank you to the doctors and nurses at North Puget Oncology, Signature Home Health, Wound Care, Fairhaven Medical Clinic, U.W.M.C and Hospice. In memory of James, memorials are suggested to Hospice of the Northwest, 227 Freeway Drive, Suite A, Mount Vernon, WA 98273.
A potluck Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 5, 2015 from 1-4 p.m.at the Birdsview fire hall on Russell Road. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.
Georgia,
My deepest sympathy and prayers. I was so saddened by learning of James passing. It was such a pleasure to get to know you both. God bless my dear.
Georgia and Family, I’m so sorry to hear of James passing. Condolences to all.
James was a good friend. Georgie my prayers are with your family during this difficult time. He fought a courageus battle with this dreaded disease, and now he is in a better place.
So sorry for the lost of such a wonderful husband, father, grandpa, uncle etc. Our thoughts prayers and love are sent your way. He will be greatly missed by lots. God bless your family during this difficult time.
Georgia I’ve been thinking about you.
Dear Sonya, Mike and Zachary,
We are very sorry to hear about the loss if your father, Sonya. Please accept our sympathy and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dan and Diane Smoots
My deepest sympathy to your family for your loss. Sending love and hugs to your entire family.
Barb and Gary it has been a long time, but I still remember you guys as neighbors as well as friends. I am sorry to hear of the loss of your brother-in-law. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Gene and families. I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you always. Patty Iund Olsen