James Robert Matchem

KERNERSVILLE - Mr. James Robert Matchem died peacefully at home on Monday, November 3, 2014 surrounded by loved ones. Jim was born on May 20, 1935 in Boston, MA to the late Sarah Edith Fudge Matchem and James William Matchem and was one of nine children.

He was blessed with five children, James William Matchem, II (wife, Susan), Geraldine Edith Matchem Suttie, Ann Frances Matchem, Leo Preston Matchem (wife, Jennifer), and Alice Marie Matchem Philbrick (husband, Paul).

Jim married the love of his life, Darlene Gullage Brown Matchem in 1983 and accepted six more children into his life - Karen Brown Mason, Keith Brown (wife, Anita), Kathy Brown Payne (husband, John), Kelly Brown Hussey (husband, Paul), Steven Brown, and Vicki Brown Paradie (husband, Richard). He also had numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren that he loved very much.

Jim had several passions in his life, but the most treasured was the Navy and Naval Sea Cadets. He enjoyed telling his countless stories of his adventures and encouraging young people to join the Navy. Another passion of Jim's was to hop aboard the Amtrak train and travel out to Washington or up North to Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Canada to visit with his family members.

Jim was a very proud, loving and generous man, who made friends wherever he went, always wanting to leave people with a smile on their face. He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., Thursday, November 6, 2014 at Hayworth-Miller Kernersville Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the US Naval Sea Cadet Corps - Greensboro Division, 7838 McCloud Road, Greensboro, NC 27409

Previous Events