James Burl Mathis

James Burl Mathis, 74 of Stevensville passed away Friday, September 28, 2012 at his home surrounded by his loved ones. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1pm Monday, October 1, 2012 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel in St. Joseph with Pastor Chris Petty officiating. Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens in Coloma. Visitation will be held Sunday from 1 – 3 PM and from 5 – 7 PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel. Memorials may be made to Humane Society of Southwest Michigan. Those wishing to share a memory of James online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. James was born on December 16, 1938 in Selmer, TN to Mr. and Mrs. Pearl and Zula (Murphy) Mathis. He was a hard working farmer early in his life and found and married the love of his life, Elsie on June 22, 1957 after moving to Niles, Michigan to make a better life for himself and his family. James was all about the family, he would pass up fishing or hunting to spend precious time teaching his young son and daughter a better way of life. He loved to dote on the kids and grandkids, but especially enjoyed making time for him and his wife. He was employed for over 20 years by Clark Equipment and made sure the kids knew how to put in a hard day’s work. James was a tenderhearted man who truly cherished children and animals of all sorts. He was a great family man and made sure they always came first. James is survived by his wife of 55 years, Elsie; son Ronald (Karlyn) Mathis of Stevensville; daughter Barbara Mathis and companion Fran Wilkins of Adrian; granddaughter Anne (Jason) Zuhl; great grandchildren Mitchell and Lilly Zuhl; brother Harold (Pauline) Mathis of Niles; Mac (Geraldine) Mathis of Pine Bluff, AR; Dwayne Mathis of Bridgman; sister Jo (Jim) Schroeder of Niles, Barbara Bolin of Cassopolis; half-brother Tony Mathis of AR. James was preceded in death by his parents; son James W. Mathis; and brother Billy Mathis.