James Preston Matthews, former Cushing resident, now of Claremore, passed away August 27, 2008 at the age of 82.

The son of the late George Preston Matthews and Lucille Watkins Matthews, Jim was born February 18, 1926 on the family farm south of Agra, the younger of twins.

Each twin named after a grandfather James Preston and William George. Those names became almost inseparable to family as simply “Jim and Bill”.

Jim began his school career at Agra and graduated in the class of 1944.

He joined the U.S. Navy during his senior year and left for training after graduation. He served two and a half years during World War II, where he was stationed in Hawaii and also a voyage to China. He was a Yeoman Second Class when discharged.

After his honorable discharge, Jim worked as a bookkeeper at the Deep Rock Refinery in Cushing. Later he was employed with the Cushing Grocery Company, Wilcoxin Grocery and until 2002 was employed with the Cushing Public School System in the Maintenance Department.

Jim was very close to and took great pride in his five nieces and one nephew.

He was a long time member of the Park Place Baptist Church and a member of Cushing Masonic Lodge for over 30 years. He was a longtime member of both the local American Legion Post and VFW.

In 2002 Jim moved from the family home in Cushing to Owasso to be closer to his sister and brother-in-law. In 2004, he became a resident of the Claremore Veterans Center.

Jim is survived by his two sisters-in-law Allene Matthews of Coweta; and Ruthie Matthews of Austin, Texas; a brother-in-law, A. C. Watkins of Owasso; four nieces, Brenda King of Coweta; Dietra Gideon of Newcastle; Monica Perkins and Merrily Sanford, both of Austin, Texas; a nephew, Jan Watkins of Sammamish, Washington; several great-nieces and nephews; two aunts, Ruby Williamson of Kingston, Oklahoma; and Bonnie Ausbrook of Oilton, Oklahoma; numerous cousins and other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Jim was pre-deceased by his twin brother, William G. Matthews, another brother Ermal Leon Matthews; his sister, Nadine Watkins; a niece Judy Sanders and a great nephew Justin B. Sanders.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. in the Flynn Cemetery with Brother Jack Matthews officiating.

Following services, friends are welcome to come to the Floyd Family Center to visit with the family.