GREENFIELD
James “Jim” Ellison Matthews, age 64, of Greenfield, passed away Sunday, September 19, 2021 after a battle with Covid 19. He was born in Evansville on December 7, 1956, to Frank Matthews Jr. and Jane (Falls) Matthews. He graduated from Paul Harding High School in Fort Wayne in 1975. He got his Bachelor of Science Education degree from IPFW in 1980 and his Master’s degree in social work from IUPUI in 1986. On June 21, 1986, he married his lifelong friend, Cathy Van Driessche, in New Haven, Indiana.
He worked at Community Hospitals in Indianapolis for many years as a program coordinator in the Community Support Program before retiring in 2008. He was director of the organization Backpacks of Hope for 5 years and was a member of Bentley’s Buddies and Friends. Jim was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church, where he lectured for many years. He was also a member of the Greenfield Birding Group, Herb Society, Master Naturalists, and the Greenfield M.S. Group. He enjoyed being an advocate for people with disabilities, the homeless, and mental health. In his free time, Jim loved birdwatching and gardening, writing articles and letters to the editor of the Greenfield Reporter and spending time with his animals. He frequently donated to the Indiana Audubon Society, Nature Conservancy and Canine Companions for Independence, where his beloved service dog, Elsa, was trained.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Cathy Van Driessche Matthews; son, Jacob Matthews; daughter, Rachel Matthews; brothers, Tom (Carole) Matthews and Dave (Gail) Matthews; and sister, Carol (John) Matthews Zeimet. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Jane Matthews; and brother, Dan Matthews.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 2, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church, 519 Jefferson Blvd, Greenfield, IN 46140. Eulogy will be given prior to Mass. Funeral Mass will begin at 12:00 p.m.. The family recommends that guests wear face masks. Arrangements are being handled by Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory in Greenfield.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National MS Society, by website at https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Donate, or to Canine Companions, by website at https://p2p.onecause.com/canine-companions-donate or envelopes will be available at the church. Friends may share a memory or condolence at www.erleweinmortuary.com.
