James Mathis

Canton - James Roe Mathis, 92 of 44 Holland Rd, Canton NC passed away on Saturday, July 22, 2017.

A native and lifelong resident of Haywood County, he was the son of Orville and Annie Parks Mathis. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Iva Lee Matthews Mathis; an infant son, Tony Pless Mathis; one brother, Ernest Mathis, and two sisters, Josephine Allen and Anabelle Smathers.
James, a World War II Navy Veteran, and resident of Arrowhead Cove/Silver Bluff Village for the past 4 years, was able to visit the WWII memorial in Washington, DC. He was a Mason; a 47-year employee of Champion Paper Company; an avid golfer and gardener who loved to help Iva Lee can vegetables and applesauce. He was a member of Morning Star United Methodist Church but attended Plains United Methodist Church, when able. His great joy was always helping his family, but especially his only grandson and three great-grandchildren. His many albums of pictures showed his love in the care he took to keep everything they made for him.

James is survived by his son, Kermit Mathis (Karen), of Roxboro, North Carolina; one grandson, Kelly Mathis (Amy), and three great- grandchildren, McKenna, Colby and Reagan Mathis, of Benson, North Carolina. He is also survived by a very special niece, Rita Grogan (Randy) of Charlotte, North Carolina.

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff of Arrowhead Cove for the wonderful love and care provided during his years at the facility.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00am Wednesday, July 26, 2017 at Plains United Methodist Church with the Reverend Zach Christy officiating. The family will receive friends 10:30 until 11:00 a.m. prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Plains United Methodist Church, 2029 Newfound Road, Canton, NC, 28716.

Condolences may be sent to Kermit Mathis, 3730 Burlington Road, Roxboro, NC 27574.