James A. Matthews, age 69, of Marblehead, died Thursday, October 22, 2015 at his home. Born in Lynn he was the son of the late Leroy H. and Gladys M. (White) Matthews. He was raised and educated in Marblehead, he lived most of his life there. Following High School, Mr. Matthews served in the Army National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1967. He was a dedicated, loving father, brother, grandfather and friend.
He was an exceptional drummer, and grew up marching with the Oko's V.F.A. Fife and Drum band; later joining the Oko's Bag Pipe Band. He had a passion for old fashioned hand-pumped fire apparatus, and spent endless hours working on them. Jim formally held positions of President and Foreman at the Gerry Five V.F.A. and Foreman of the Oko's V.F.A. he helped bring home a number of trophies at muster competitions.

Mr. Matthews was an On Call Fire Fighter for the Town of Marblehead. He was employed with the Marblehead Health Department and had been a truck driver and dispatcher for West Lynn Creamery. He had also driven tandems for UPS.
He is survived by his loving daughter Jodi Gildea, and her husband Sean of Marblehead and his son James A. Matthews, Jr. of Salem. He leaves his grandchildren Liam and Ella Gildea, Aaron and Jacob Matthews of Marblehead. His former wife Linda Matthews of Danvers, his sister Sheila Baines of Texas, his brothers Richard Matthews of Marblehead and Gene Matthews, nieces, nephews and many friends. He was predeceased by his sister Gwenna Bergeron.

His Funeral Services will be held at the Old North Church, 35 Washington Street, Marblehead, MA, 01945 on Friday, November 6, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. There are no visiting hours and burial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the James A. Matthews Memorial Fund, c/o National Grand Bank, 91 Pleasant St., Marblehead, MA 01945.