TMA Mourns the Passing of a Friend - Jim Matthews

I was notified by Pat Lagrange and Lisa Poulin, TMA’s chairman and president, respectively, that Jim Matthews passed away Friday, November 12. Pat and Lisa wanted TMA’s leadership to know of Jim’s passing because he had been a dedicated member of TMA’s leadership on the local, regional and national level for many years.

We are lucky to know a lot of people professionally, and we see these folks year in and year out in the course of our professional lives. We remember quite a few and usually, it’s because they touched us in some way. I met Jim Matthews about 10 years ago at a TMA conference. I remember him because he always took the time to talk about opportunities, even though at the time, it was very unlikely that there was anything in our relationship for him. Nonetheless, Jim would take the time to consider how we might work together and I had always hoped that we would find a way to do so. I last saw him in the fall of 2009 and once again, we discussed current developments and opportunities.

I was saddened greatly to learn of his passing – to me, he was a young 60. Our association has lost a great member and leader. Personally, we have lost a friend. For those who would like to know the official details, I’ve reprinted his obituary below.

James B. "Jim" Matthews, age 60 of Rowlett, TX, passed away November 12, 2010. He was born April 4, 1950, in Newton, MA, to Gerald and Charlotte (Boisvert) Matthews. A consultant in commercial real estate, Jim was a member of Rotary Club and the Turnaround Management Association (TMA), local and national. He was married to Carol Butler on October 19, 2002, and was devoted to his home and family. Jim earned his Bachelor's Degree from Assumption College in Worcester, MA, in 1972 and his law degree from the University of Miami (Florida) in 1974. He started his own business, Prime Location, in 1983. Jim tackled the daily challenges as new opportunities. He published numerous articles and was a regular speaker for the American Bankruptcy Institute, TMA and the International Conference of Shopping Centers. In 2003, the TMA honored Jim with its Outstanding Individual Contribution Award. His non-profit activities included the Rotary Club of Preston Center in Dallas, TX (president 1993-94); TMA Dallas Chapter (president 1995 and 2000); TMA National Board Member (1995-2005; vice president of Chapter Relations 2001-2003).

In 2005, Jim co-sponsored a group for small business recoveries after the Katrina disaster in New Orleans. He was brilliant, wise, generous, fun loving, kind and determined. One of his greatest joys was making a child laugh. The world is a better place because of Jim. The eagle is the only bird which flies into a thunderstorm. Friday this eagle flew home. Jim is survived by his wife, Carol Matthews of Rowlett; son, Greg Matthews of Dallas; father, Gerard Matthews of Plainville, MA; stepchildren, Cathy Hanson and Chris Delk; grandchildren, Michael, Erika, Andy, Jack and Emily; sisters, Charlotte McMahon, Maryclaire Quine and Ann-Marie McCarthy; brothers, Michael and Daniel Matthews; 14 nieces and nephews; and 19 great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother and brother, Gerard J. Matthews, Jr., in 1993.

Services will be held 11:00 am Tuesday, November 16, at Rest Haven Funeral Home-Rockwall Chapel with Daniel Prescott officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Services under the directions of Rest Haven Funeral Home, Rockwall, TX.

Rest Haven Funeral Home in Rockwall
2500 State Highway 66 East
Rockwall, TX 75087
972-771-8641