James Joseph Matthews

James Joseph Matthews of Hilliard, OH, left this earth peacefully and entered heaven on September 29, 2021, surrounded by his loving family.  Jim was born on April 4, 1940, in Drogheda, Ireland.  He was the oldest of five boys born to James and Anne Matthews (deceased).  After graduating from Blackrock College, Dublin, he entered the Royal Air Force and was stationed in the Middle East for four years. He married his sweetheart, Rosaleen (nee Smith) in 1964 and there began their great journey. They moved to Long Island, New York in 1966 with their young son as Jim began a thirty-year career with the Irish airline- Aer Lingus. 

An avid athlete in his youth, he took up golf in his thirties taking first place in countless tournaments, winning three club championships in three different states and shooting his age in his 60’s, 70’s and 80’s.  Jim was a huge presence who had the ability to make everyone feel special. He adored each one of his grandchildren and enjoyed nothing more than summer family vacations on the beach. He took great interest and pride in their academic, artistic and athletic achievements. He lived his life with joy and gratitude.  He was incredibly faithful, devoted to his Catholic faith and an active member of St. Brendan the Navigator Church for the past 13 years. Left to carry on his wonderful legacy is his loving wife of 57 years Rosaleen “Rose”, his three children, David (Karen) of Duxbury, MA; Rosaleen (Scott) of Dublin, OH and Aideen (Matthew) of Andover, MA; his eight grandchildren, Lauren, Caroline, Ryan, Allison, Maeve, Ronan, Margaret (Meg) and Declan and many “favorite” nieces, nephews and extended family in Ireland. The family is incredibly grateful for the kindness and compassion shown to Jim by the healthcare professionals at Kobacker House. The family asks that if desired, contributions in memory of Jim can be made by visiting www.foundation.ohiohealth.com. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, November 23 at 11 a.m. at St. Brendan Church, 4475 Dublin Road.  Final internment will take place at a later date.  

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