James Auston Mathews

September 10, 1948 - August 28, 2017

James Auston Mathews, 68, of New Castle, passed away peacefully on the morning of Monday, August 28, 2017 at his home. Jim was born on September 10, 1948 in Danville, IL, a son of Charles Brooks Sr. and Gladys Lillian (Nunn) Mathews. Jim was drafted into the U.S. Army and served during the Vietnam War from 1967 – 1970. Jim received the Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze stars and many other awards. He retired from the New Castle Chrysler Corporation after 31 years of service. Jim also worked for the State of Indiana as a Correctional Officer and Security Guard. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post 1282, 32-year member of the American Legion Post 137, AmVets Post 38 and Elks Lodge 1889 of Harlingen, TX. Jim met his wife, Jill Nixon in 1998, together they owned and operated J&J’s Karaoke. Jim enjoyed the veteran’s clubs, cookouts, good food, travelling, camping, fishing, playing Yahtzee, driving his tractor, working outdoors on home improvement projects, farm animals, watching western movies and Colts football. James Auston Mathews was a kind-hearted man with a gentle spirit and most of all loved to spend time with his family. Those left to cherish his memory include his beloved wife and soulmate of 19 years, Jill Mathews; children, Heather West of New Castle, Katie (husband: Zack) Werking of New Castle, Penny (Ronnie) Baggett of Brandon, FL, Rachael Moss of South Carolina and Chad Mathews of New Castle; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Eric James Mathews; infant brothers, Billie Dean and Kenneth Mathews; brother, Charles Brooks “Bobby” Mathews II; sisters, Helen Shoulders, Judy Atkins and Mary Elizabeth Lee. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, September 1, 2017 at Sproles Family Funeral Home with Pastor Danny Douglas officiating. Burial will follow in South Mound Cemetery West Lawn Addition with military honors. Friends may call from 11:00 am Friday until the time of service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project with envelopes available at the funeral home. You may leave the family a personal condolence at www.sprolesfamilycares.com. The Sproles family and staff are honored to serve the family of James Auston Mathews.