James Charles Matheny

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James Charles Matheny (88) passed away on May 10, 2024 at his home in Meridian, Idaho.  He was born on February 16, 1936, to Col. Charles H. and Rosemary Bennett Matheny in Long Beach, California.  He was the second of three children:  Richard, James and Deanna.  His family moved from Long Beach to Los Angeles when he was three and then to Temple City, California when he was 15.

     He graduated from Pasadena High School in 1953.  He attended Pasadena City College earning 12 units before enrolling at UCLA on a football scholarship in February 1954. He enlisted in the Army Reserve in February 1953 and was discharged in February 1959. He was in the Military Police. When his team at UCLA lost one year of eligibility his senior year, Jim played pro football for the Toronto Argonauts in 1956, the Chicago Cardinals in 1957 and the Houston Oilers in 1960.  In June 1960 he graduated from UCLA with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Arts.  He worked in the motion picture industry most summers and in 1959 when not playing pro football.  He started with Allstate Insurance Co. in 1970 and retired in 1998 having worked as an agent and as a district sales manager.

     He married his high school sweetheart, Dorene Claire Mallory, on January 27,1956 in Pasadena.  Jim and Dorene were sealed in the Los Angeles LDS temple on September 16,1966.  They had five children: Christopher James “Kit”, Delight Diane, Molly Ann, Jason Richard and Carrie Dorene.  They raised their family in Arcadia, Carpinteria and Ventura, California. Dorene passed away in 1989.  He married Janet Louise Page in the Los Angeles LDS temple on June 16,1990.  They lived in Ventura, California until moving to Meridian, Idaho in 2014.

     He loved to play golf, and attend or watch college football and pro baseball games-especially UCLA and the Angels. He coached various sport teams for both youth and adults.  He also enjoyed traveling.  Family history research was his passion.

     He was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He served faithfully in many callings including lst Counselor in a Bishopric, Scout Master, Young Mens President, Stake Missionary, Stake Athletic Director, Ward Financial Clerk and Family History Consultant.  He served a part-time service mission in the Family History Center in West Los Angeles from January 2001 through December 2004 and volunteered for several years in both the Los Angeles and the Ventura Family History Centers.

     He is survived by his wife, Janet; his children: Delight (Paul) Page, Molly Gofourth, Jason (Melissa) Matheny and Carrie (Shaun) Carson; his daughter-in-law, Sally Matheny;17 grandchildren and several great grandchildren.  He is preceded in death by his wife, Dorene:  his parents, Chuck and Rosemary Matheny; and his siblings: Dick Matheny and Deanna Allison; his sister-in-laws:  Linda and Lelia Matheny; and his son “Kit” Matheny.

     Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 24,2024 at 11:00 a.m. in the Linder Stake Center, 7135 N. Linder Rd., Meridian, Idaho with a viewing starting at 9:30 a.m.  Interment will be on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 in the Meridian Cemetery, 895 E. Franklin Rd., Meridian, Idaho at 1:00 p.m.  Donations may be made to the American Heart Association.