Obituary of James Joseph Mary St. John Matthews

James Joseph Mary St. John Matthews April 26, 1952 - December 13, 2013 Suddenly at the age of 61, our brother Jim passed away from a stroke. Jim was predeceased by his mother, Catherine O'Driscoll Matthews, his father, Benjamin Francis Matthews, and his youngest brother, Paul Lawrence Matthews. Jim leaves behind his sister, Mary (Jim Archer-Shee), brothers, Anthony, Ben, and Stephen (Margaret Lindsay), and nephews, Nick and Fraser Abe, and Ryan and Adam Matthews. Jim also leaves behind his girlfriend, Vanessa Humble and her children, Danny and Jordon. Finally, Jim also leaves behind his beloved mischievous dog Buddy. Jim was born on a freighter boat off the coast of St. John in very stormy weather. His love affair with boating continued throughout his life, and he particularly enjoyed sailing and competing in the sport. Ironically, Jim suffered his massive stroke while out boating in stormy weather with friends. Jim had numerous interests but his most passionate was rebuilding the farmhouse in Ireland where his mother was born. Located in the south of Ireland, Jim spent much of his retired life repairing, renovating, and generally upgrading the homestead. It is where he truly felt at home. Jim spent most of his successful career with The Toronto Star in sales and distribution. A charming, intelligent, and driven man, Jim was highly regarded by his colleagues and friends. His large circle of friends all counted him amongst their best friends and he frequently enjoyed fine scotch and red wine with them. Despite being known as a wine aficionado, his true skill lay in photography, a hobby he began as a teenager, but mastered over the past decade. While he has left us, both his beautiful photos and his memory will stay with us forever. Jim was a fine and principled person and an honorable son, brother and friend. There is no question that Jim was loved immensely. The outpouring of love from all of his friends has been overwhelming and touching. We are filled with pride that Jim touched so many people in such a positive manner. We will deeply miss our friend and brother. It was a privilege to have him in our life, and we will treasure the memory of him in our hearts, forever. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES CHAPEL LIMITED, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 19th. A Memorial Service will be held in the chapel on Friday December 20th at 3:00 p.m. There will be refreshments after the service, but for those who care to join us, we will also be gathering at a pub nearby, to lift a toast in Jim's honor. Details of that will be available at the service. If you plan to join us at the Pub, please take a cab to the memorial service. If desired and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Santa Comes to Bay Street, 121 King Street West, Suite 1820, Toronto M5H 3T9 (www.sctbs.ca). Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.