James Leonard Mathess, 72, of Morgantown, WV passed away at the home of his daughter surrounded by his loving family on May 14, 2023.

He was born January 4, 1951 in Morgantown, WV to the late Lelia and Thurl Mathess.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years Frances Hendershot Mathess; his daughter and son-in-law Kim Mathess Trimble and husband Ed; granddaughter Megan Trimble and fiancé Jimmy Belz of Haddonfield, NJ; grandson Tyler Mathess and wife Emily; his sisters Carolyn (Sue) Davis and husband Gerald, Cathy Boyce and husband Fred, Doris Tucker and brother Doug Mathess and wife Kathy; sister in laws Helen Kennedy and husband Charles (Chuck), Betty Grazulis, Lavon Mathess and Deb Mathess; brother in law George Hendershot and wife Brenda, and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his son James Leonard Mathess II (Jimmy); his mother-in-law and father-in-law George and Audrey Hendershot; brothers Ronald (Ronnie) and Glen (Butch) Mathess; brother in law Philip (Phil) Tucker; nephews David (Sock) Mathess, Ronald (Bub) Mathess Jr, Joseph (Joey) Kennedy, and niece Nikki Livengood.

Jim was a good man, loving husband and father. He was very close to his family and very proud of them. He enjoyed cooking for others through events, benefits but most importantly for family gatherings. He was known for his ribeyes, brisket and corn on the cob.

He served in the Unites States Army during the Vietnam War from 1969-1975. He was an active member and served on the board of the American Legion Post 174. He worked for the International Union of Operating Engineers and was a very skilled backhoe and dozer operator.

Jim will be greatly missed by all those he met. He made many friends over the 72 years of life he was given. Jim was blessed with many caring family member - especially his son-in-law Ed Trimble who was his caregiver over the past two years.

Friends may join the family to honor Jim's life and legacy at Smith Funeral & Cremation Care, 108 Holland Ave., Westover / Morgantown on Wednesday, May 17th from 4-8 PM and again on Thursday, May 18th from 10 AM until the time of the funeral service at 11 AM officiated by Pastor Donna Dalton. Interment with Full Military Honors accorded at the graveside will follow at Nicholson Chapel Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jim's memory to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Messages of comfort and other symbolic gestures may be offered to the family at www.smithfcc.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James L. "Jim" Mathess, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

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