James Ray Matthews

July 8, 1966 - July 4, 2021
James Ray Matthews

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James Ray Matthews 54, of Wilmington, NC died Sunday July 4, 2021 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

James was born in Wilmington on July 8, 1966 the son of the late Pearlie James Matthews, Jr. and Shirley Faye Bollinger Matthews.

Surviving are his sister Betty Matthews of Atkinson; His adopted family Emily Best Brown to whom he called mom and adopted brother’s Will Bowers; Duke Caulk and Randy Essick; uncle Blaney Best and adopted grandparents Lynda Kaye Best and Foye Best. Also Cousins James and Donnie Fales survive.

A memorial service will be held at the Harp on 3rd street Tuesday July 13, 2021 at 7:00 PM. Please come with some good stories and enjoy the fellowship as we remember “JJ’s” life.

Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Post a Condolence” tab below.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S.41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403. 910.791.9099.


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  • July 06, 2021
    Ricky Meeks lit a candle:
    Lit since July 6, 2021 at 7:00:45 PM

  • July 06, 2021
    Jacqueline Fales lit a candle:
    Lit since July 6, 2021 at 7:02:00 PM

  • July 06, 2021
    Brian Raby says:
    I knew JJ for several years because of the Bowers family. We would go pick up cars and haul them to Copart in Dunn and hang out of course at the shop on Bell Street. We all are going to miss James .❤️

  • July 07, 2021
    Betty says:
    To my loving brother James you are my best brother I could ever have you been my best friend and my hero and now I'm just hart broken cause you are gone to be with my mom and dad and the rest of the family I will never forget you and I will never forget the fun things we did but I will always will love you now you will be in heaven and to be with God but here I'm going to miss you so very much and I will see you again in heaven I love you James from your sister Betty

  • November 26, 2021
    Jane Medlin Gay says:
    Rest In the loving arm's of our Lord Jesus James Ray Matthews.