James Alford Matthis

James Alford Matthis, Jr., 93, of Owensboro, passed away November 29, 2017 at the Owensboro Center. Born February 5, 1924 in Muhlenberg County, he was the son of the late James Alford Matthis Sr. and Ida Skaggs Matthis. James was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Mr. Matthis was an avid aviator and owned and operated KY-ANNA Motor Sales and was operator of KY Radio Service.

For years the Matthis name has been synonymous with the car business. Some knew him as James, Jim, Pepaw, but mostly he was known as "Jungle", a name he earned after making a forced landing in a corn field that looked like a jungle. He recalled walking to school in the snow with holes in his shoes during the Great Depression, only having a 6th grade education, and mostly being an underdog for a lot of his life. When he bought an airplane (with no prior flying experience), they said he wouldn't and couldn't fly that plane. Well, he did, for 20 plus years—a 1947 Stinson. Jungle only knew how to be successful. A radio repair shop and car lot combination would prove to be a highly successful business for many years and propel four of his boys into the auto industry. They will never forget the talks on how to deal with customers, all of the classic cars he had and stories about the good ol' days.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Jean Gidcumb Matthis in January 2015 ; a son, Rick Matthis in November 2013; and a great-granddaughter, Autumn Rickard in 1998.

Surviving are his sons, Ron Matthis of Kuttawa, Sam Matthis (Cindy) of Owensboro, and Mike Matthis of Owensboro; daughters, Carole Starks (Hank) of Punta Gorda, Fl., Gina Berry (Ben) of Owensboro, and Donna Mulligan (Timmy) of Owensboro; 19 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Joe Matthis (Mary) of Rineyville.

Funeral service will be 12 noon Saturday, December 2, 2017 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church with entombment following at Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2-6 p.m. on Friday and after 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home where prayers will be said at 6 p.m. on Friday evening.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the Daviess County Animal Shelter or the Humane Society.

Condolences may be placed for the family at www.glenncares.com.