JAMES “Jimmy” MATSON

James “Jimmy” Matson, age 42, of Chicago, IL, was received into the arms of his Savior, Monday, November 21, 2022.

Jimmy was born with host of challenges that would make any person’s spirit bend and break, but his arrival on March 10, 1980 in Norfolk, VA, heralded a birth blessed by the Creator himself. His parents, Ralph and Amy Matson were chosen specially to care for their son who would never be able to care for himself.

Even though he was never able to communicate in the ways we all take for granted, Jimmy could speak volumes through his eyes. It would only take a second to realize that they were windows to his soul and in an instant, he could reach your own. Jimmy was ever generous with his smiles and even a Grinch couldn’t help but smile back. Through special programs, Jimmy graduated high school but it was the man himself who could teach anyone a hardship is just another challenge to overcome and he never backed down from a fight. Music spoke to his heart but chocolate called to him like no other, as evidenced as early as age 6 when he stole into the pantry to make a batch of brownies. The conclusive evidence of his mischief was literally written all over his face. He and his brother Danny were like “two peas in a pod” and often watched their favorite shows side by side. Old movies were entertaining and Sesame Street and Barney may have kept their rapt attention, but nothing could hold a candle to Sponge Bob. Episode after episode flew by in an instant but in reality each show (and its theme song) droned endlessly in the ears of anyone nearby, much to their chagrin. With a stuffed animal nearby, or more often clutched in his hands, Jimmy faced this world with a tenacity that would humble a hero and will leave a loving mark etched onto the hearts of all who knew him.

He now leaves his loving and devoted parents, Ralph and Amy Matson; two siblings: Joe Matson and Emilie Matson; his maternal grandmother, June Bonnici and a family of friends who will miss him dearly.   

He joins in Heaven, his brothers Danny and Randy Matson; his maternal grandfather Robert Bonnici, and his paternal grandparents, Ralph and Marion Matson who preceded him in death.

To make a memorial donation in memory of Jimmy, a memorial has been established in his name. Please make out a check to the “James Matson Memorial” and mail in his name to P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119.

A memorial service to celebrate Jimmy’s life is being planned for all to attend. More details will be available at a later date. Please check his obituary online for updates, or contact Conley Funeral Home at 630-365-6414, or email them at conleycare@sbcglobal.net.