James “Jim” Richard Matson: ‘One of the strongest and best men’

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James “Jim” Richard Matson

James “Jim” Richard Matson

On the early morning of October 18th, 2020, loving husband, father, and grandfather James “Jim” Richard Matson passed away at the age of 73.

Jim was born on June 3rd, 1947 in Fort Bragg CA to Harold and Joanne Matson. He graduated in 1965 from Fort Bragg High School, and then continued his education and graduated from College of the Redwoods in 1967. Proceeding his graduation from CR, he enlisted into the Army Reserves. After, he spent time at HSU pursuing an Engineering degree. While in college he worked various jobs, his favorite being Angelo’s Pizza when it first opened.

In 1970 he married Terri Thompson, together they had their daughter Melissa Matson Quinton. From the mid-1970s to the early ‘80’s he was self-employed, built his own home and various other custom homes in the Eureka area. He was in the construction industry from the early ’70s to 2005. He then worked for other various local contractors working in the construction industry. He was very talented when it came to building houses, laying concrete, and his truck driving abilities.

Throughout his life, he lived in many places in California, Fort Bragg, and primarily the Humboldt County area, and his favorite place of all, the homestead in Trinity County.

Jim was known by many names during his life, son, big brother, daddy/dad, Pappy, James, Jim, Jimmy, Mr. Matson, and plain ole Matson.

In 2002, he married his best friend and “favorite confidant in crime”, Babett Arrance (although they’d already been together for many years), and together with many fur babies in tow, they moved to his favorite “stump” in Trinity County, their beautiful homestead.

James “Jim” Richard Matson

James “Jim” Richard Matson

They enjoyed many adventures roaming the Yolla Bolly Wilderness. Living in the great outdoors was his dream. Jim especially enjoyed hunting, fishing, and harvesting abalone. To him, God’s country was right outside his own backdoor. Outside his kitchen window was the best view of all and town was of no interest to him.

Jim had most recently seen the destruction of the August complex. He had been looking forward to finally being able to go home after having been evacuated for the last 5 and half weeks of his life. Although in that 5 week period of time he had been able to finally have his children and grandchildren all in one place for the first time 15yrs. Many laughs and memories were made with Jim in those last 5 weeks. We are all thankful for the weird turn of events that made those times happen for all of us. Matson will be dearly missed by many.

Jim was special to a lot of people. He appreciated and enjoyed the visitors they would have at the ranch. He knew that his and Babett’s safe haven wasn’t always a convenient visiting area for others. He especially enjoyed it when their grandchildren visited. A couple of the grandkids described him as “one of the strongest and best men I know.” He always wore a smile when hearing about their most recent adventures and accomplishments. Jim enjoyed hearing our tales of life in town and he, in turn, would share stories of his younger years spent hunting the

surrounding hills in the Yolla Bolly Wilderness with his hunting partner Timmy Powell and fishing the coast of Fort Bragg.

Jim is preceded in death by his father, Harold Matson, and sister, Judith Matson.

He is survived by his wife Babett Matson, daughter Melissa (Tommy) Quinton, grandchildren Corinna “Nina”, Grace Ann, and Christopher Quinton. Stepdaughter Crystal (Eric) Fuller, and granddaughter Angelina (aka Peanut) Barker. His mother Joanne Matson, brother Dave (Carol) Matson, brother Jerry (Jackie) Matson, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews, who will all greatly miss him. Jim also had many friends in his life, one especially important friend is Tim “Timmy” Powell, who turned into family.

There is no service for Jim, he didn’t want a big fuss made over him. Please honor this amazing man by taking a fishing trip, getting out into nature, or just enjoying some time with your family and friends.

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6 Comments
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I like stars
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I like stars
3 years ago

Beautiful. RIP and peace to those who loved him.

CharlesA
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CharlesA
3 years ago
Reply to  I like stars

Well said. Good Journeys.

G.Matson
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G.Matson
3 years ago

Uncle Jim was one of the strongest and best men I have ever known and he taught me alot about a great many things. I looked up to him and will miss him very much. RIP uncle

J.d. Bruffett
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J.d. Bruffett
3 years ago

Jim was a man i was proud to call friend. A great sense of humor! Always had a great joke. I’ll miss ya buddy, hillbilly

Trevor t
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Trevor t
3 years ago

Jim would ask his visitors if they admired his “Shop”. They would turn around looking for the building. Then he would laugh as they stood outside next to a work bench next to a tree. He would say “gets pretty cold in the winter but all the light you need during the summer”.

Mary McGuire Jensen Schwendeman
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Mary McGuire Jensen Schwendeman
3 years ago

So sorry for your loss. You can never be forgotten. Class of 65. Everyone around you in math class @ COR knew the months with 30 days by your No Sex At Julie’s.That grin & great smile are unforgettable. Class of 68. Thanks & Happy Trails Jim