James Matthews

James Matthews, 73, of Altamont, NY, passed away on Thursday, December 13, 2018 peacefully in his sleep.

James was born in Charleston, South Carolina on January 26, 1945.  James graduated from Baptist Hill High School in South Carolina; and continued his studies in New York City, at New York Theological Seminary in Christian Education.  James retired from the New York State Correctional Services after many years of service.  He worked as an IT, and supervised and trained prisoners in the New York State Correctional Work Release Program.

James was called to serve Jesus Christ 46 years ago.  He was an ordained minister at St. Paul Baptist Church in New York City; he served as one of God's greatest Evangelist by leading many lost souls to Christ.  James ministered in places where many feared to go.  If you ever met James, you were sure to meet Jesus Christ.  James never waivered in his walk with God, who was his first love.  All a person had to do was to meet James once, and they knew there was something glowing about his spirit.  He was not a pretentious man, he lived his life as best he could, according to the Holy scriptures, in public and in private.

James is survived by his wife of 22 years, Jessica L. Matthews; nine siblings, Ophelia, John, Delores, Cecil, Hazel, Don, Holly, Tanny, and Billy.  One grandson, Khali, a sister in law, Mary, brother in law Theophilus, and Kevin Williams; and a host of nieces and nephews and relatives and friends.

James is preceded in death by his parents, Althair and Mazie I. Matthews, as well as his daughter, Chrissy Simone Matthews.

James will be remembered as a bright and shining light for the Kingdom of God.