James W. "Jimmy" Matthews II

James W "Jimmy" Matthews II went home to be with his heavenly father on Tuesday, March 31st, 2026, at the age of 65.

Jimmy was born on June 15th, 1960, in Big Lake, TX. He was the youngest of four brothers. He married his sweetheart, the love of his life, Linda Allen on June 27th, 1981, in Big Lake. They were married for 44 years.

Jimmy graduated from Reagan County High School in 1978 and he began his career in the oilfield. HF Ritchie gave him his first job working for J&L Steel. Throughout his career he worked for Continental Emsco, IP Petroleum and Union Oil of California. In the last 28 years he worked for and retired with Chevron. He prided himself in his work. During the last four years of service he worked in Pecos and he just knew that "the summers were hotter and the winters were colder" there. Throughout his career he made lifelong friendships that he cherished until the end. In June of 1981 Jimmy and Linda moved to the farm and ranch in Stiles. There they raised their three children Michael, Jill, and Julie. He spent many years working in the oil field however his greatest love was for the country. His love for the animals and all things outdoors never left his heart and mind. He made friends everywhere he went and never met a stranger. He loved his family fiercely. His wife, children and the outlaws they brought home were the light of his life. His precious grandchildren made his life complete. In April of 2024 he began his lung transplant journey and received a single lung transplant at University Hospital on September 28th, 2024. In the time following his transplant he spent many days at the hospital and clinic. From the walls and hallways of the hospital to the clinic he made some precious friends. The love and care they poured into him was nothing less than amazing. He was just as special to them as they were to him - just like everyone else he encountered. He shared his love for Jesus with each one who came into his hospital room and never forgot to remind them of the miracles The Lord performed on his behalf. Jimmy always made sure to remind us the dash, between the dates on a headstone was how you lived your life. His dash was long and well lived. Until he took his last breath his faith never wavered and he claimed his healing. He loved The Lord fiercely.

He is proceeded in death by his parents, James W Matthews and Francis Louise (Morris) Matthews; two brothers, Steven Michael Matthews and Randall Ray Matthews; his father and mother-in-law Jess L Allen Jr and Vena Belle (Ables) Allen; son-in-law Joshua Shane Mitchell; and brother-in-law John Sanders.

He is survived by the love of his life Linda; his children Michael Scott Matthews and wife Natalie of Mertzon, Texas; Jill Diann Fortenberry and husband Michael of Big Lake, Texas; Julie Michelle Sosa and husband Claudio also of Big Lake, Texas; eight grandchildren Ally & Macy Matthews, Jentry Fortenberry, Kyra Mund, Alex, Allison, Joshua, Brazos & Avery Sosa; a great grandson Maverick Robertson; his brother Barry Matthews; sister in law's Kim Sanders and Elaine Matthews; brother in law's Johnny Allen, Lonnie Allen and wife Carole; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers include Mike Schwertner, Eddie Joe Morton, Rodney Hooker, Roger Neil, Casey Davidson, Terry Jones, Rusty Owens.

Honorary Pallbearers include Sergio Gomez, Teodoro Vasquez, Nathan Chance, Israel Espudo, Gary Smith, Tony Alvarado, Oral Turner, Don Thompson, Keith Tarvin, Eugene Vinson, Robert Michalewicz, Aaron Michalewicz, Jim Moore, Charlie Beal, Glenn Neil, Chad Elkins, Mike Elkins, Jody Garber, Larry Heintzelman, Gary Eggleston, Carl Baker, Kendall Watkins. 

The family wishes to thank our friends and family for their love and prayers throughout this journey. Memorials may be sent to the West Texas Boys Ranch, Sonrisas of San Angelo and University Health Foundation.

A visitation will be held on Monday, April 6, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at First Baptist Church, 510 E. 7th St, Big Lake, TX 76932. Funeral services will be held the following day on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the church as well, with interment to follow at Stiles Cemetery.