Mathis- James Bradley "J.B." Mathis, age 89, passed away Saturday, December 8, 2007 at Hugh Chatham Nursing Center. He was born March 29, 1918 in Yadkin County to the late Everette and Fay Evans Mathis. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Bessie Hemric Myers Mathis, a brother, Raymer Mathis and a sister, Susie M. Murray. He was a charter member of Arlington First Baptist Church, Jonesville, N.C. On April 18, 1942 he was inducted into the U.S. Army, Battery D, 432nd AAA-AW Battalion. He patriotically served two years and ten months of Foreign Service during World War II. That time included 16 months and two winters in the mountains of Italy. Honors for this service included the EAMET Europe-Africa-Middle-East medal with five stars, representing five major battles of the Italian campaign. He was wounded twice and was awarded the Purple Heart. While working in a civilian conservation corps camp he learned masonry and developed a skill that led him to be known as a master brick mason. He had great pride in his trade and enjoyed riding thru the community admiring houses and churches he helped to build. Family and friends enjoyed his sense of humor, quick wit and talent of story telling. He loved nature and enjoyed walking horses, gamecocks and especially training and hunting with his bird dogs as long as his health permitted. Surviving are his son, Danny Mathis, of Hamptonville, a daughter, Saborah Robinson and husband, Hal, of Elkin, a sister, Faye Marie Mathis, of Jonesville. Also, three grandchildren, Danielle Walker and husband, Dustin of Union Grove, Davis Mathis and wife, Amy of Hamptonville and Abbye Blackwelder and husband, Aaron of State Road. Three great grandchildren also survive, Holden and Hadley Walker and Addison Bradley Blackwelder. A memorial service will be held at 11am Wednesday, December 12, 2007 at Arlington First Baptist Church in Jonesville, N. C. with Rev. Jerry Fugate officiating. The family will receive friends following the Memorial Service. Memorials may be made to Arlington First Baptist Church, 345 South Main Street, Jonesville, N. C. 28642. The family would like to thank the staff and friends of Parkwood Place in Elkin for four wonderful years in a caring and friendly atmosphere of companionship. Appreciation is also extended to Dr. Tamas Soos and the staff of Hugh Chatham Nursing Center. The honor for which he was most proud was that he, his family and friends knew he had honorably, courageously and faithfully served his country when called to do so. Hodges Funeral Home is serving the Mathis family.Online condolences may be made at www.hodgesfuneralhomeinc.com
