James Joseph Matuga, born May 2, 1941, in Sewickley Pa., peacefully went to be with the Lord on Feb. 6, 2020.
Jim was a loving father, beloved brother, proud U.S. Army veteran, loyal community servant and good friend to those who knew him.
Jim was the youngest of eight children, who were raised by tough and loving parents in a one-bedroom apartment in a small steel town — Ambridge, Pa. Tight quarters proved to be the perfect setting to raise a loving, tight family that remained close for many decades.
While many of his family members went off to work in the steel industry, Jim was the first of his family to go on to college and follow a different career path. He was a hard worker and made many sacrifices for his family while going to night school and working as a bank teller.
In his career, Jim became a trusted banker in Hopewell and Washington, Pa. His career path led him and his immediate family to Charleston, W.Va., and finally to Morgantown, where he served many years as vice president at Westover Bank. In his retirement years, Jim served as a deputy assessor with Monongalia County. He was well-liked by many in the Morgantown area.
His community service included the Knights of Columbus and Kiwanis. In 1984, he was named an Ambassador of Good Will by the late West Virginia Secretary of State A. James Manchin.
Some of his hobbies included painting landscapes, listening to and singing doo-wop music from the 50s, collecting coins, visiting with family and friends, playing cards with his buddies, fishing and spending time reminiscing about one of his favorite places — Lake Erie, Pa.
He was known for his great sense of humor, corny jokes and endearing smile. He loved his family and was proud of his children.
He was preceded in death by his parents Francis “Frank” and Pauline Mikulich Matuga; siblings: brother Alphonse (Robert) Matuga, and sisters Pauline Matuga Veltry and husband John, Frances “Franny” Matuga Miklos and husband William and Grace Matuga Marchondia Bockman and husband Eugene; sister-in-law Antionette (Vallecorsa) Matuga; and his infant grandson Adam Matuga.
Jim is survived by son James (Jim) Matuga and wife Rebekah, of Morgantown; daughter Amy Matuga (fiancé Danny Pugh), of Morgantown, and son Robert (Rob) Matuga and wife Michelle, of Gaithersburg, Md.; grandchildren Dylan Matuga, Jordan Smith (spouse Christopher Smith), Jimmy Montague (spouse Ashley Montague) and Isabelle Matuga, of Gaithersburg, Md.; siblings Margaret Matuga Rudich, Clara Matuga Montini and husband Michael and Edward Matuga and wife Millie; brother-in-law James Bockman; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family would like to thank the caring staff at WV Caring, namely Shelly, Lori, Trudy and Penny for their excellent hospice care, the staff at Pine Ridge Nursing Home and also, for the past 9 months, his caretaker and former wife Sandra (Sandy) Matuga. Jim was happy at the end that they were able to be friends once more.
Friends may join Jim’s family to honor his life and legacy at Smith Funeral & Cremation Care, 108 Holland Ave., Westover/Morgantown, from 4-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12, when Catholic Funeral Rites outside of Mass will be accorded by Father Andrew Switzer. Following the funeral, full military honors will be accorded at the funeral home. Jim’s request to have his ashes buried at sea will be honored by his family at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in Jim’s memory to WV Caring, P.O. Box 760, Arthurdale, WV 26520.
Condolences:
www.smithfcc.com
