Jimmie "Poppop" Mathews, Sr.

Jimmie Coulan Mathews, Sr., age 92, of Birmingham, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Friday, January 29, 2021. He passed away peacefully and was recognized with a military Honor Walk at Colonel Robert L. Howard State Veterans Home.  He is survived by his son, Jimmie C. Mathews, Jr. (June) of Trussville, daughter, Polly Mathews Gaskins (Scott) of Hoover, two grandchildren, Lt Hunter Marshall Gaskins (Alex Daru) and Alexis Taylor Gaskins, brother-in-law Sid Mergens of Atlanta, Ga; two nieces, Susan Masters (Scott) of Johns Creek, Ga., and Sandee Edmondson (Scott) of McDonough, Ga.  Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 56 years, Dorothy Eugenia Hall Mathews, father William Coulan Mathews, mother Mary Jackson Mathews, brothers Lee and David, and sisters Gladys and Ruth. Born April 24, 1928, in Lyons, Ga., Jim grew up during the Great Depression and often recalled not having many material things.  When asked about childhood memories, he remembered feeling lucky to have shoes that fit and simple toys- a stick, a tin can and a rock.  As a teenager, he attended Sylvester High School and worked as a farmhand.  After high school, Jim enlisted in the United States Marine Corps training at Camp Lejeune/Signal Battalion & Cherry Point, NC.  A proud veteran of World War II, he continued his service as corporal in the USMC Reserve.  Jim attended junior college and studied mechanical engineering and drafting in Atlanta. He enjoyed staying physically fit and competed as a Golden Gloves boxer. By 1950, Jim began his career with Friction Materials Co. selling materials to Pollock Paper in Atlanta.  The plant manager introduced Jim to a young woman who was the receptionist (Dot).  In his words, at that moment he fell in love and never lost that feeling. Jim, Sr. and Dot were married August 20, 1954, in Atlanta and moved to Birmingham where they raised their children and attended Wilson Chapel United Methodist Church. Jim continued his career in sales and was unequivocally dedicated to his life’s work in the businesses he operated for over 60 years. He owned several companies including a golf bag business and a clutch and brake rebuilding business. Jim was always quick to ask anyone he met if they needed a clutch rebuilt.   He also designed and patented a clutch rebuilding machine.  He was fortunate to work with his son, Jim, Jr., for many years. During his lifetime, Jim valued time with the Lord and those he loved. He enjoyed studying the Bible, teaching Sunday School, and reading the newspaper – especially the funny papers and Dear Abby. He was an avid golfer, a longtime member of the Birmingham Bassmasters and a competitive checkers player. He found great joy in yardwork, working with his hands and drawing.  He was affectionately known as PopPop to his grandchildren and dear family friends. PopPop was a gentle, quiet, earnest man who loved his children and grandchildren fiercely. He was always ready with a signature handshake, a patriotic salute, a heartwarming smile and good humor. To the end of his long life, he knew his family by name and genuinely loved his people. He was a deep thinker and had an unwavering faith in the Lord and was calm, content and confident in believing John 3:16. “For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  The family wishes to thank Heather, Joni, Melissa, Shelley, Shauna, Amanda, Gwen, Todd, Travis and Jason for their consistent care and loving support. Special thanks to the McGraw family.   Graveside service will be at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, February 12, 2021, at Jefferson Memorial Gardens, Trussville. Friends and family are welcome to attend.