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James R. (Jimmy) Matthews, Jr. went to be with Jesus on Feb. 16th, 2024. 

Jimmy was born May 14th, 1943, in LaGrange, Georgia, son of the late James Ralph Matthews, Sr. and Katherine Matthews. Matthews was a local family businessman who led a life dedicated to his family, church and community. 

He credited his parents with the course of his life by instilling in him the value of faith, honesty, hard work, fair treatment to others, and above all the love of God. He worked in the family business for over 50 years.

 He graduated from LaGrange High School in 1961. He attended West Georgia College (1961-1962), University of Georgia (1962-1963) and graduated from LaGrange College in 1965 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business with a minor in Speech and Drama. While at LaGrange College he played on the tennis team, and was in several plays. 

He was active in the community. He served as Chairman of West Georgia Health System, Former President of LaGrange Jaycees and Georgia Industrial Loan Association, Deacon at First Baptist Church and Member of Dr. Paul Baxter’s Sunday School Class and served in the Georgia National Guard from 1965-1971. 

He was a member of the Gridiron Secret Society, past Worshipful Master of Union Lodge #28 and former President of Lagrange Shrine Club. He was a member of the LaGrange Saddle Club, the Loyal Order of the Moose Club and the BPOE Elks Lodge #1084 of LaGrange. 

He enjoyed competing in cutting horse events and was a member of the LaGrange Bulldog Club. He was an avid golfer and loved quail hunting. He enjoyed his time traveling to Unaio da Vitoria, Brazil to build a church with Carpenters for Christ in the ‘80s. Through this experience, he was able to share his trip through local organizations and churches. “Victory in Jesus” was their theme song and it stuck with him since this trip.

He is married to the former Dianne Jones for 55 years.

Other survivors include his two daughters and two sons-in-law, Kim Matthews Skiff (Rod) and Kitty Matthews Crawford (Gavin). His entire life revolved around his five grandchildren, Cole Crawford, Austin Skiff, Mallie Crawford, Asher Skiff, James Crawford and bonus grandson, Ronin Castillo. He is survived by his sister, Janice Faye Jackson of Lilburn, Georgia and his sisters and brothers-in-laws Johnny and Judy Floyd, of Cordele, Morris and Zelda Jones of LaGrange, and nieces and nephews Trae Floyd, Jason Floyd (Brigett), Jake Jones (Liz), Dustin Jones (Sarah), Sheri McLoughlin (Sean) and Aimee Gross (Mike). He is also survived by his beloved dogs Coco and Ladybug.

Services will be held on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024, at 4 P.M. at the First Baptist Church on the Square with Dr. Paul Baxter, Pastor Marty Carnes, Pastor Greg Morris and Rev. Paul Blair officiating. 

Family will have a time of visitation at the church on Thursday from 2 P.M.-4 P.M.

Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to the First Baptist Church on the Square.

Higgins Funeral Home at Hunter Allen Myhand, 706-884-5626.