Rev. Dr. James Matthews, Jr. made his heavenly transition on June 2, 2024, with his family by his side. James was born in Detroit, Michigan on February 25, 1931, to parents James Matthews, Sr. and Daisiel Matthews. He graduated from Northern High School in 1948 in Detroit, Michigan (where such artists as Aretha Franklin and Smokey Robinson graduated). Shortly after high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in Anchorage, Alaska where he served four years.  After he returned home, he married the love of his life, Betty McClenic, in 1952.  This union produced three children: Gregory, Linda, and Karen. James was called to the Gospel ministry at an early age.  He was ordained in 1955 in Detroit, Michigan at Tabernacle Baptist Church. He then attended Detroit Bible Institute where he received his theology degree. James later received his Doctor of Ministry Degree at International Bible College and Seminary in Orlando, Florida.  Over 60 years he served as fulltime pastor. James was the founding Pastor of First Glory Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan. He went on to Pastor Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Canton, Ohio, and Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Florida. When he retired, he founded Living Spiritual Temple Ministries in Jacksonville, Florida. In those years as Pastor, he personally fellowshipped with many influential pastors including Rev. C.L. Franklin of Detroit, MI, Rev. Martin Luther King, Sr. and his son, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. of Ebeneezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA., Rev. Jesse Jackson and the late Rev. Joseph H. Jackson, President of National Baptist Convention. James enjoyed being with his family and traveling across the country preaching the Gospel. He was a faithful servant of God.  He would pray for anyone anywhere.  His motto was “Whatever Prayer and Gospel can’t do; it just can’t be done”.   It was a satisfying and fulfilling ministry for him to bring people to Christ and for some to answer their call to ministry. James was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Betty Matthews; and his sister, Daisey Nunley. Left to cherish his memory is his two loving sisters: Ann Corlew and Gloria Condelee; two sisters-in law: Shirley McClenic and Frankie Black (James); his three children, Gregory Matthews, Linda Willis (deceased, Richard ), and Karen Mann (Samuel); grandchildren: Gregory Bates, Rochelle Robinson, Racquel Butler (Kerrick), Samuel Mann, Jr. (Heather), Rheana Willis, Jericha Williams (Rob), and  Micah Mann; 17 great grandchildren; two Goddaughters: Ella Smith and Sharon Bridges; many adoring nieces, nephews, cousins, a host of other loving relatives and friends. A special thank you to his Caregiver, Latasha Patterson.  Words cannot express what a blessing you were to our father and family.  We also want to thank members of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, Canton, Ohio.

Celebration of Life for Rev. James Matthews, Jr. will be held on Monday, June 10, 2024 at 11:30AM in the St. Thomas Missionary Baptist Church, 5863 Moncrief Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32209. Visitation will be held on the day of service, Monday, June 10, 2024 from 10:30AM-11:30AM. Interment will be held on Monday, June 10, 2024 at 2:00PM in the Jacksonville National Cemetery.

Arrangements in the care of:

Coleman Walker Berry Funerals & Cremations

5660 Moncrief Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32209

904-768-0507