Jeffrey James Mathews

Jeffrey James Mathews, of Dunnellon, FL, formerly of Bedford, NH., born on August 1, 1956 to the late Lewis J. Mathews and Virginia (Knam) Mathews passed away on September 14, 2022 due to complications of Covid-19. Jeff leaves his wife of 24 years, Ellen, daughter Melissa Williams (Danny) of Sodus, NY, son Derrick Mathews (Jamie) of Goffstown, NH and stepdaughters Elizabeth McElmurray and Meredith McElmurray of Wakefield, MA. He also leaves his grandchildren Sadie, Tristian, Lexie, Owen and Olivia, his step-grandchildren Haley and Alex, and his brother Lewis Mathews (Gay) of Newfield, NY.

Jeff was born in upstate NY and spent his childhood and early adulthood in Watkins Glen.  He was a member of the Squires Drum and Bugle Corp. in Watkins Glen and had many happy memories of traveling with the Squires and winning the National Championship.  Jeff was a music lover, playing trumpet with the Squires since he was 9 years old and then learning to play the French horn later in life.

After Jeff moved to NH and married Ellen, he joined the Hollis Town Band, playing trumpet at various concerts and events.  Jeff was also a member of the 100 Nights of Remembrance, a volunteer group that played Taps at the NH State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, NH.

Jeff had many other interests including playing softball, coaching his daughter’s softball team, golfing, traveling and SCUBA diving.  Jeff spent over 20 years diving throughout the Caribbean and South Pacific with his wife and later traveling throughout Europe.

Jeff had a way of finding humor in almost any situation, brightening every holiday and social gathering.  He would joke with his children about the silliest things always provoking laughter. His relationship with his grandchildren was special and he had little sayings that were meaningful to each of them. 

He was an avid NY Jets fan and every year said they were going to win the Super Bowl.  He had many spirited conversations about football with his brothers-in-law who were Patriots fans.

Recently, Jeff was diagnosed with a very rare genetic neurological disorder, spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 (SCA-6) which causes a progressive decline in motor skills.  In light of this, the family is requesting that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the National Ataxia Foundation at www.ataxia.org/accelerate/

A memorial service will be held at Roberts Funeral Home on Saturday, September 24, 2022 at 10:00 AM.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in NH.

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