James Cooper Mathewson was born in Vanceburg, Kentucky on Feb. 2nd,1920 to Otis and Grace Cooper Mathewson. James was the 3rd of 7 children. James graduated from high school in 1938 and received a scholarship to play basketball at University of Kentucky where he also lettered in baseball. He graduated in 1942 with an A.B. in Education and went on to receive a Masters in Business from Xavier University in 1960. Upon graduation from U.K James enlisted in 1942 in the U.S Navy and was sent to San Francisco where he trained for an officers position in The Armed Guard in charge of a gun crew. He served in the Pacific until 1946 and then re-entered the service in 1950 to serve in The Korean Conflict. He was at this time a Lieutenant Commander. When he returned from active duty he was stationed in St. Louis, Mo. where he served until his discharge in 1954. James coached basketball in his hometown of Vanceburg, Ky. from 1946 until 1950 at the Lewis County High School. He also taught and coached at Arlington High School in Columbus, Ohio as well as 9th grade football until he re-entered the Navy in 1950. He moved to Richmond in 1965 and worked for PRC Recording and then retired as personnel manager for NATCO. James was a member of the K-Club of University of Kentucky; an Honorary Kentucky Colonel; a life long member of the 1st Christian Church; and a member of the Richmond Power Boat Club and was active in numerous community activities. His life long loves were his wife Mary, his family, boating on the Ohio River, golfing, and following his Kentucky Basketball team. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Boyd Burris Mathewson, also born in Vanceburg; his 2 daughters Leah Hoffman (Greg), Jama Crowe (Bob), grandchildren Jimmy Hoffman and Alivia Crowe all residing in Richmond, In. Two granddaughters, Jessica Hoffman and Emily Crowe McClain (Jon) live in Indianapolis, In. James is also survived by 3 of his 6 sisters; Dorothy Wood Britt of Vanceburg, Ky; Lois Walden of Maysville, Ky,; and Caroline Owens of Sardinia, Ohio, along with many nieces and nephews. James was preceded in death by his parents, Otis and Grace Mathewson, his son Christopher James Mathewson and sisters Thelma Rouse, Margarete Megill, and Jean McDevitt. Services will be held at 7:00 pm on Wednesday (October 7, 2009) in Riggle - Waltermann Mortuary. Rev. Amanda Hines will officiate. Friends may call on Wednesday (October 7, 2009) from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the funeral home. Burial with military graveside services will be at 3:00 pm on Thursday (October 8, 2009) in Black Oak Cemetery in Vanceburg, Kentucky Memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church, 100 S. 10th St. in Richmond, Indiana 47374 www.riggle-waltermann.com