James Mathews

James T. “Beaner” Mathews, age 87 of Faribault, MN and formerly of Owatonna, MN passed away unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, October 16, 2019.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, October 21, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 139 Mercy Drive, Faribault, with Fr. Cory Rohlfing officiating.  Interment will be held at St. Lawrence Cemetery, Faribault.

Memorial visitation will be held at the church on Monday morning from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

The family prefers that memorials be directed to Bethlehem Academy High School in memory of Jim.

Arrangements are being completed by the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory of Faribault.

James Thomas, the son of Paul Sr. and Esther (Strand) Mathews was born on July 14, 1932 in Minneapolis, MN.  He attended St. Mary’s High School in Owatonna, MN and graduated with the class of 1950.  After high school Jim served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and was a crew member aboard the USS Oriskany.  On October 27, 1956 he was united in marriage to Joan Arndt at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Owatonna.  Jim was an entrepreneur and worked in sales most of his career including farm machinery with Mathews Implement, mobile home sales with Colonial Manor and owned and operated the Furniture Farm in Owatonna.  Jim and Joan moved to Florida in the ‘80’s and he was a realtor for a short time.  They loved spending time in Florida and they especially enjoyed spending time on their boat.  Later they moved back to Minnesota and Jim worked at the Furniture Mart in Medford.  Family was very important to Jim and he loved spending time with all of his family and watching his grandchildren at their different activities.  He also enjoyed cooking and cheering on the Vikings and Notre Dame sports.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Joan Mathews of Faribault; by his children, Cindy (Ron) Grass of Eden Prairie, MN, Cathy Mathews (Barney Smith) of Faribault and John (Paula) Mathews of Faribault; by five grandchildren, Brynn (Eric) Borer, Sam (Myra) Weikleenget, Drew (Katie) Mathews, Jessie Mathews and Lauren Mathews; by his brother, Bob Mathews (Janice) of Northfield, MN; by two sisters, Angie Muller of New London, WI and Marilyn (Joe) Ogas of Clovis, CA and by nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother Paul Mathews Jr.

The family would like to thank the First Responders who came to the aid of Jim in his time of need and appreciate all of their efforts.