James Claude Matthews Jr., of Waxhaw, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 6, 2026. He was born on January 29, 1937, in Fulton County, Georgia, to the late James Claude Matthews Sr. and Lillian Jameson Matthews. He was also preceded in death by his beloved wife, Myra Cates Matthews.

James was a devoted husband, father, grandfather to six, and great-grandfather to seven. He accepted Christ as his Savior in his early teens and faithfully served the Lord throughout his life. James had a deep love for Scripture and was known for memorizing Bible verses, often keeping small cards on his bulletin board to help him learn and reflect on them. One of his favorite passages was Ephesians 2:8–9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one can boast.”

James proudly served six years in the National Guard Reserves. He later worked for Gulf Oil, where he dedicated 30 years of service before retiring. Following his retirement, he continued his life of service as a missions pastor at Community Bible Church in Morrow, Georgia. James and his wife Myra shared a passion for missions, traveling together on numerous mission trips, welcoming missionaries into their home for many years, and faithfully serving with Wycliffe/JAARS in Waxhaw for over 20 years.

In his free time, James enjoyed reading, gardening, southern cooking, and spending time with his family. He will be remembered for his gentle spirit, warm sense of humor, and unwavering faith in the Lord.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Horis Ward Funeral Home, 376 Fairview Road, Stockbridge, Georgia 30281. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. Burial will follow the service at Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery, 245 Fairview Road, Stockbridge, Georgia 30281.

James is survived by his two daughters, Cindy Flanegan and her husband Kirk of Waxhaw, North Carolina, and Lisa Ganes and her husband Britt of Stockbridge, Georgia; and by his brother, Jerry Matthews of Stockbridge, Georgia.

Online condolences may be shared at www.gordonfuneralservice.com.

Gordon Funeral Service & Crematory, 1904 Lancaster Avenue, Monroe, North Carolina 28112, is honored to serve the Matthews family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wycliffe Bible Translators at wycliffe.org.