James Edward Matthews

Self-employed contractor James Edward Matthews, 47, of Washington died at 11 a.m. Sunday, April 30, 2006, in his residence, following a lengthy illness. He was born March 6, 1959, in Canonsburg, a son of Thomas J. Matthews of Washington and the late Alegra Janet Dailey Matthews. Mr. Matthews attended Trinity High School and was a self-employed contractor. He previously worked at Bordens in Green Tree and at Tri-State Engineering. He enjoyed gardening, riding motorcycles and socializing with friends. Surviving, in addition to his father, are a son, James Edward Matthews Jr. at home; two brothers, Thomas J. Matthews Jr. and Michael Matthews; and four sisters, Shonda Wilkinson, Letetia VanKirk, Joanne Longstreath and Kimberly Spino, all of Washington. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 3, with the Rev. Rick Bruckner officiating. Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Friendship Community Church, 1090 Weirich Avenue, Washington, PA 15301.