James F. Matthews

He was an educator, author, speaker, athlete, mountaineer, motorcyclist, adventurer, mentor, father, grandfather, brother and friend. More than anything, he was someone who remained intensely curious about people, about the world, and about what a life well lived could teach us.

Jim was born September 27, 1946, in Queens, New York, to Edward and Margaret Matthews. He attended St. Francis Preparatory School and later Manhattan College, graduating in 1970. Football was a defining part of his younger years, and he was a proud player in both high school and college.

Jim came of age in New York during the cultural upheaval of the 1960s, and his life would go on to unfold across what he later described as “city streets and wild places, classrooms and quiet rooms, public stages and private reckonings.”

He worked at the legendary Fillmore East, spent a summer installing window frames more than 100 stories above Manhattan on the South Tower of the World Trade Center, and seemed to possess an almost limitless appetite for adventure. He climbed mountains and frozen waterfalls, navigated whitewater, led wilderness trips, rode motorcycles and backpacked on horses through the Rockies. In 1984, he traveled to the Soviet Union as the only American in an international climbing group and reached the summit of Mount Elbrus.

His adventurous spirit was matched by a life devoted to education and service. Jim spent much of his career in higher education, including roles at Boston University Sargent Camp, Keene State College, and Merrimack College. He became a nationally known speaker on alcohol and other drug prevention and college drinking awareness, traveling to colleges throughout the country to educate students, parents and professionals. He authored three books, including Beer, Booze and Books, which was shared with colleges across the country. Over the past few years he worked with the HiSET Program at Cape Cod Community College.

But family was the center of Jim’s world. He shared an especially close lifelong bond with his siblings and their families: his older brother Raymond Matthews and wife Joanne of NJ; Kevin Matthews and wife Diana of FL; Denise Pieretti and husband Steve of MD; and Diane Willerth and husband Keith of NJ. He also deeply loved his many nieces and nephews, who were an important part of his life.

He was the proud father of daughter Mairead Graf and her husband, Scott, of Dennis, and son Ryan Matthews and his wife, Diana, of Maryland. His grandchildren were among his greatest joys. Eliza was his beloved “Warrior Princess,” while he took tremendous pride in encouraging Parker’s love of the trumpet and creating opportunities for him to play Taps in honor of veterans and fallen service members. This June, Jim had the joy of welcoming his newest grandson, Alex.

Jim was a proud “washashore,” moving to Cape Cod 12 years ago to be closer to his daughter’s family. He embraced everything the Cape had to offer and quickly put down roots, building friendships, finding community and making the Cape truly his home.

For the last decade of his life, Jim was also deeply involved with Big Nick’s Ride for the Fallen. What began as participation grew into meaningful service and leadership, and the Ride became an important part of his Cape Cod community and his commitment to honoring fallen service members, veterans and Gold Star families.

Since Jim’s passing, stories and reflections have poured in from people whose lives he touched — students, colleagues, friends, family and people he encountered along the way. Again and again, they describe a man who showed up, listened, encouraged, challenged, laughed, served and made people feel seen.

Since his passing, reflections from the many people Jim touched have given rise to a fitting phrase: “Be Like Jim.”

Be curious. Be adventurous. Show up for people. Keep learning. Serve others. Love your family fiercely. And never stop leaning toward the horizon.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, September 27, what would have been his 80th birthday. Following a private gathering with family, all who knew and loved Jim are warmly invited to stop by the Dennis Highlands from 6:30–8:00 p.m. to share memories, stories, and good wishes as we celebrate a life very well lived.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s memory to Big Nick’s Ride for the Fallen by following this link https://secure.givelively.org/donate/veterans-collaborative/ngx-memorial-foundation or mailing a check to Veterans Collaborative, BNR, 3445 Seminole Trail Suite 251, Charlottesville, VA 22911.