James Allen Mattison Sr.

Cadillac - James Allen Mattison Sr., of Coos Bay, OR, formerly of Cadillac passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, August 7, 2025 in Coos Bay. He was 85.

Our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, husband, brother, uncle, colleague, retired Air Force service member, has died, leaving everyone who loved him heartbroken and with a permanent loss. Jim was so much to so many. His quiet presence was a constant, wonderful and reliable force. Jim was humble to a fault. Kind, generous, and never one to gossip or criticize anyone, he embodied what it meant to be a person of character. He was a calm, genuine, and witty person whose off-color jokes would light up a room. 

He lived a good life. He enjoyed staying home, tinkering in his garage and fishing.  Recently he and his wife moved to Oregon where they could spend their remaining years in warmer weather. Jim will be remembered for never having an unkind word about anyone, and for never boasting, even though he had plenty to boast about. 

Jim was born at home in Cadillac on October 25, 1939. At the age of 12, Jim started working as a newspaper delivery boy and never stopped working even until his last day.  He was a graduate of Cadillac High School in 1957. Jim had a career in the United States Air Force, from 1957 retiring in 1979 followed by a second career in seismology. In 1958 he married Barbara J. Smith.  The couple had two children, before divorcing after 14 years. Jim later married Nancy Foster in 1973, celebrating nearly 52 years together.  Nancy and Jim blended their families, Jim adopting her son and having a daughter together. 

Jim was survived by his wife, Nancy; his children, James (Janet) Mattison Jr., Caren (Steve) Anderson, Allen “AJ” (Inger) Mattison, and Brandi Mattison; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his brother, Roger Mattison; many cousins and several other loving family members and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Mary (Riplo) Mattison; his four siblings, Devere, Robert, Joyce Norman, and Jean Shibler.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025 beginning at 12:00 noon at the Kenwood Beach Pavilion, those in attendance are encouraged to bring a dish to pass. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in care of Nancy Mattison.  Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at www.Hitesman-Holdship.com

The family is being served by the Hitesman-Holdship Funeral Home.  

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