James M. (Jim) Mathis

James M. “Jim” Mathis, SMSgt. USAF (Ret.), 76, of Valdosta, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, November 3, 2011, under the wonderful care of Bethany Hospice, after a long battle with COPD, RA and Osteoporosis.

Jim was born February 27, 1935 in Fitzgerald, a son of the late James M. and Nell Peterson Mathis. He honorably served in the USAF for over twenty-three years, retiring as SMSgt. in 1976 from Moody AFB. Throughout his Air Force career, he received numerous commendation medals for meritorious service awards. Following his retirement, he was employed at SAFT for several years before returning to Moody as a civil servant in the position he held while stationed there, Superintendent of Precision Management Equipment Lab (PMEL), later retiring.

He was of the Baptist faith, loved his family and spending time with his grandchildren. Jim was an avid and precise gardener, loved animals and also enjoyed woodworking. In later years he became a dedicated student of God’s word.

He is survived by his wife of thirty-five years, Sue McLendon Fletcher Mathis of Valdosta; daughter, Angelia Mathis and her sons, Charlie and Matthew; daughter and son-in-law, Tammy Fletcher Erow and Bill of Lakeland, FL, their sons, Tony, John and Peter of Graceville, FL; son and daughter-in-law, Michael Fletcher and Lisa of Hahira, and their sons, Justin and wife Sarah of Dixie, Jesse and wife Samantha of Pinetta, FL, and Joshua of Hahira; son and daughter-in-law, Mark Fletcher and Tracy, and their son, Carson of Cumming; son and daughter-in-law, Tim Fletcher and Lesley of Melbourne, FL; three great-grandchildren, Brantlee, Bowen and Lydia Bree Fletcher; and his beloved family pet, Tomas. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, James Richard Mathis; a grandson, Colin Erow; a brother and a sister.

A Memorial Service for Mr. Mathis will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 7, 2011, at the Chapel of Carson McLane Funeral Home with Pastor Tom Studstill and Chaplain Larry Conniff officiating. Interment will follow at Westview Cemetery, Nashville. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services Monday at the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home of Valdosta.


Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602