James P. Matson, 70, of Canton Township, PA was called home on Saturday morning, April 16, 2011, while surrounded by his beloved family.

James Phillip was born on May 15, 1940, in Endicott, NY. He was one of three children in the family of the late Wesley "Todd" and Phyllis "Posie" ( June) Matson.

Jim grew up in Alba, PA and graduated from Troy High School with the class of 1958.

He then served our country during the Vietnam War with the United States Air Force Police. While stationed at Hahn Air Force Base in West Germany, Jim met his future wife, the former Issy Gold. They were married on May 13, 1965, at the First Christian Church of Alba. Jim and Issy were blessed with three children and forty-six wonderful years together.

Always a man who enjoyed being busy and productive, Jim studied finance at Bucknell University and Elmira College while supporting his family.In early years , Jim began a career in thebanking business and became a vice president of FirstNational Bankof Troy, PA. In 1974 he was instrumental in opening the bank's Canton branch. Jim thenwent on to be safety director forJ&B Mining Company for many years and later,was thesalesmanagerat McClure Motor Company in Troy. He and Issy also owned and operated Matson's Veal Farm for several years.

Jim was very involved in the community. He served on Bradford County's Planning Commission, Troy Borough Council, Troy Community Hospital's Board of Directors and was a charter member of the Troy Jaycees. Jim was a past commander of Canton's American Legion Post 303, an honorary member of Canton's V.F.W. Post 714 and very active with their Military Honors Guard. He also was a member of the Alba First Christian Church, Morris Run American Legion Post 167, the Troy Rotary and Canton Lions Clubs.

His family's welfare was always most important in Jim's life. Many good times were shared with family and friends; he was the ultimate host of grilling parties and a witty conversationalist of many discussions. Jim loved the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing and camping. Throughout the years, J.P. always held a special companionship for his many canine friends. James and his family would like tooffer aspecial thank you to Alfred and Marilyn Route and Dr. John and Pat Kirkowski for their tireless efforts and devoted friendship, Their gratitude can never be expressed in words alone.

Surviving are his wife, Issy; three children, Kirk (Lisa) Matson of Lebannon, CT, Steven (Rhea) Matson of Suffolk, VA and Monica (Mark) Rinaudo of Louisville, KY; four grandchildren, Amy, Luke, Amelia and Alexander; a brother and sister, Marsden (Donna) Matson of Canton and Shirley (Gary) Ritz of Troy, three aunts, Irene Matson, Evelyn Matson and Linda Thomas, several nieces, nephews, cousins and many close friends.

Family invites friends to call 6 – 8 p.m. Tuesday at Pepper Funeral Home, Springbrook Dr. in Canton.

Services will be held at Alba First Christian Church on Wednesday, April 20th, with visitation from 10 – 11 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. with Rev. David B. Morris officiating. Burial will be in Alba Cemetery with full military honors accorded. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may consider a memorial in Jim's name to Guthrie Hospice, RR 1 Box 154 Towanda, PA 18848 or to the First Christian Church of Alba , 74 Church St. Alba, PA 16910. Online condolences may be sent to: www.pepperfuneralhomes.com