James Francis Matthews was born in Hollister at the Hazel Hawkins Hospital on Monterey Street on March 2, 1949. His family home on San Benito Street was a block away from the Hollister Canning Company which his Grandfather Frank Felice established in the 1940’s.
Jim attended Sacred Heart Parish School and Palma High School. His education continued at Santa Clara University until he transferred to the University of the Pacific, School of Pharmacy. He worked as a pharmacist for 40 years following his graduation in 1973.
Jim’s passion for the 49ers and Giants was easily identified by the flags flying at the front
of his home on Cienega Road. He was most proud of his contributions to the Immaculate
Conception Catholic Church. The olive trees he planted on the hill intertwine with the
Stations of the Cross brings a special tranquility to visitors. The statue of the Virgin
Mary, which he donated, adds to the beauty of the grottos. Ed Matthews, his grandfather,
built the grottos in the late 1940’s.
James was preceded in death by his mother Angelina Felice Matthews, father James
Donald Matthews, brother Donald Edward Matthews, brother John Joseph Matthews, and
son Anthony Matthews. James is survived by his sister Mary Anne Matthews Filice,
nephew Charles Frank Filice (wife Catalina), niece Anne Marie Filice Faria (husband
Antonio), Sister-in-law Jeanie Matthews, nephew Ryan Matthews (wife Rebecca), and
nephew Derrick Matthews.
A mass will be held on Friday, November 17, 2023, at Immaculate Conception Catholic
Church in Tres Pinos, California; burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery.