James, “Jim” Mathews, 85, residing in Dyer, Indiana at Dyer Nursing and Rehabilitation, passed away on Tuesday, September 12, 2017. A celebration of life will take place Saturday, September 23, 2017 at Kish Funeral Home, 1000 Calumet Avenue, Munster Indiana from 12 pm – 4 pm. Military honors will be celebrated at 4 pm.Jim was born on March 5, 1932 in Olean, New York to Everett and Florence Mathews. He served in the Navy from 1950-1954 in the Naval Band and spent extended time in Naples, Italy where he served in Admiral Carney’s personal band. In 1954, Jim met his blushing bride of 61 years, Mary Frances Buckley in Norfolk, Virginia where she was stationed in the Marine Core. They resided most of their married life in Calumet City, Illinois, until moving to Indiana following retirement. Jim was a skillful person and worked as a service technician for Montgomery Ward for over 30 years. He was a loving, quiet, family-oriented, hard- working man who found pleasure in the simple things in life. Jim’s talents were not limited to his trumpet playing as he was also an exceptional swimmer, waltz and polka dancer, gardener, and had a wonderful singing voice. His family and friends that knew him well can also attest that he made the best popcorn and homemade peanut butter fudge ever! He had an avid interest in reading and watching movies about the West, and was a dedicated fan. Some his favorites included John Wayne, Roy Rogers, and Gene Autry. He was a genuine cowboy at heart!Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Mary (nee Buckley). He is survived by an older brother John Mathews, who resides in Austin, Texas, and a younger sister, Jean Potter residing in Buffalo, New York; his four loving children, Patricia (“Pat”, “Cissy”) Jarmuszka, Paul, Phil (Debbie), and Peggy (Bill) Jasien; his grandchildren Shannon, Adam (Ruth), Samantha (Rocky), Carrie (Mike), Jessica, Rebecca, Emily, Matthew, and Bryan; several great and great-great grandchildren. The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to:American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, Illinois 60674OR Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517