Jesse James Mathews Jr.'s Obituary
Jesse James “Squeak” Mathews, Jr., 77, of Decatur, Illinois, passed away Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Decatur Memorial Hospital.
Jesse was born in Decatur on December 17, 1946, the son of Jesse James Mathews, Sr., and Mildred Bernice (Denton) Mathews. He served honorably in the US Army during Vietnam. He later worked as a tire builder for Firestone, retiring after 27 years. He married Bobbe Barnett on December 19, 1969, in Maroa, Illinois. Jesse was a person who enjoyed his alone time in the great outdoors, especially when it included fishing.
Jesse is survived by his wife Bobbe of Decatur; son Rhett Tyler Mathews of Decatur; siblings Ethel (Larry) Blair, Lonnie (Lisa) Mathews and Penny Mathews; granddaughters Emma Marie Mathews and Olivia Reese Mathews; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Rodney James Mathews, brother Robert Graft, and sister Jane (Jerry) Lane.
Graceland Fairlawn is providing cremation services for Jesse. Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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