JAMES M. "JIMMY" MATTHEWS, SR., 73, of Crisfield, died Saturday, March 7, 2009 at Alice Byrd Tawes Nursing Home in Crisfield.

Born in Crisfield on May 29, 1935, he was a son of the late Melvin "Dugan" and Mamie Elliott Matthews.

A 1953 graduate of Crisfield High School, he was a retired US Army Vietnam veteran serving 22 years. Following his military retirement, he was a maintenance worker for the former Mrs. Paul's Kitchens in Crisfield and was a correctional officer for five years at Eastern Correctional Institution in Westover.

A faithful Christian, Jimmy enjoyed fishing with his son and spending time with his grandchildren.

A devoted husband and a loving father, he is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Lois Hinman Matthews of Crisfield; his son, James M. "Jimmy" Matthews, Jr. and his wife Bonnie of Crisfield; two grandchildren, Brian Matthews of Virginia Beach and Gabrielle Matthews of Crisfield; a brother, Roland Matthews of Kingston; two sisters, Nancy Newsome and Carylon Rayfield, both of Pocomoke; and a special cousin, Donald Matthews of Crisfield.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Sylvia Martin.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 1 PM at Bradshaw & Sons Funeral Home in Crisfield where friends may call one hour prior. Pastor Calvin Lilliston will officiate. Interment with military honors will follow in Sunnyridge Memorial Park.

Arrangements are in the care of Bradshaw & Sons Funeral Home in Crisfield. To send condolences to the family, please visit www.bradshawandsonsfuneralhome.com