White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

INDEPENDENCE – James Gordon Mathews, 47 years old, of Independence, IA, died unexpectedly at home, Tuesday, October 1, 2024, following a sudden illness.

A private family gathering will be at White Funeral Home in Independence, IA.

A public Celebration of Life will be 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the Troy Mills American Legion Hall in Troy Mills, IA.

James was born October 3, 1976, in Independence, IA, the son of Danny Eugene Mathews and Debra Lee (Smock) Mathews. He grew up in Walker, IA, and graduated with the North Linn High School class of 1995. While in high school he excelled in football and basketball and found his love of art which he would eventually turn into a business. He married Marie Ann Sawyer and together they had Kiana and helped raise Tyson, his son from a previous relationship. The couple would later divorce. James was an artist and started the business Bankhedz, where he would design and install graphics to the felt of pool tables.

James had a great sense of humor and loved sports. His favorite teams were the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Lakers, and the Iowa Hawkeyes. He liked following the teams, but he also liked following the athletes’ careers, especially Magic Johnson, Sterling Sharp, and Caitlyn Clark.

James is survived by one son, Tyson (Allyson) Mathews of Cedar Rapids, IA; one daughter, Kiana (Chris) McVay of Monticello, IA; his parents, Danny & Debra Mathews of Independence, IA; his brother and sister, Corey Mathews and Amanda Mathews, both of Independence, IA; five nieces and nephews, Haleigh Mathews of Iowa City, IA, Jordan Mathews of Cedar Rapids, IA, Isabella Henderson of Iowa City, IA, Isaiah Henderson of Independence, IA, and Isaac Henderson of Independence, IA.

He was preceded in death by his great grandparents, including Alice King; paternal grandparents, James and Maxine Mathews; maternal grandparents, Gordan and Jody Smock; one uncle, Dan Benson; one aunt, Denise Smock; his father-in-law, Bruce Sawyer; and a good friend, Virgil Powers.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Condolences may be left at www.White-MtHope.com

White Funeral Home, Independence, IA, is assisting the family.