James Matthews

James Edward Matthews, 61, of Perry saw his Savior face to face on November 18, 2012 surrounded by his loving family. Services have been entrusted to the care of Palmer Marler Funeral Home and will be held at 9:30 on Wednesday, November 21 at the Celebration Family Church in Perry. A private burial will take place in Grove, OK. Jim was born on May 13, 1951 in San Francisco, CA to Ernest Matthews and Martha Cole. He moved to Eugene, OR in 1955 and graduated from high school there in 1969. In 1971, Jim"s life found true meaning when he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and in 1974 he was called to be a preacher of the Gospel. Jim led over 500 people to Christ in a 5 month period while attending the University of Oregon and in 1979; Jim graduated with an Associate"s Degree in Construction Management. From 1979-80, he attended ministers school at Rhema Bible Training Center in Tulsa, OK. Over the past 31 years, Jim has pastored several churches and led several successful ministries. He served as Outreach Pastor at Your Choice Coffee House in Tulsa from 1981-82. He founded Sword of the Spirit Ministries in 1981 and was still leading the ministry at the time he went to be with the Lord. In 1983, Jim pioneered Living Word Church, eventually leaving the church to begin his Evangelist Ministry. From 1986-87, he began leading The Olive Branch in Tulsa. In 1990, he became the Director of the Four State Christian Singles Association. In 1997, Jim married the love of his life and his future ministry partner, Belinda Spriggs, in Broken Arrow, OK. Jim and Belinda were both ordained through Christian International, a ministry led by Dr. Bill Hamon. For the last few years, Jim pastored the Celebration Family Church in Perry, OK. When Jim was not serving as a Pastor or Evangelist, he operated Jim Matthews Construction. He was also a member and leader of the Apostolic Prayer Network based out of Church on the Rock in Edmond, OK. Jim Matthews was a kind man with a great sense of humor. He was very generous with his time and resources. Jim loved people and was a very strong and godly man who enjoyed spending time in prayer and studying The Word of God. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and was a skilled photographer. Jim Matthews left an unmistakable mark on this world during his short 61 years of life. He fought the good fight and he has finished the race. His legacy of faithfulness and selfless compassion will live on through the lives of those who knew him and were touched by his ministry. Jim was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife, Belinda Matthews of the home. A daughter: Shalynn Wiseman and husband Mark, of Robinson, IL. A son: Rance Kitlen and wife Jamie, of Grove, OK. Four grandchildren: Roland Kitlen, Victoria Brashear, Alexia Kitlen, and Luke Kitlen. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jim"s honor to Celebration Family Church in care of Palmer Marler Funeral Home 203 Fir Street, Perry, OK 73077. Condolences may be sent to the family via an online guestbook at www.perrycares.com

11/21/2012
09:30 AM

Memorial
Celebration Family Church

Perry
OK