JAMES DAVID MATTHEWS

Let your light so shine that all may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Mathew 5:16

James David Matthews passed away on October 10, 2025, at his home in Fort Worth with his family at his side. He battled cancer valiantly and courageously showing the same strength of character with which he lived his life. He was 76 years old. James was born on April 19, 1949 in Fort Worth, Texas, to Joe Ed and Pattie Matthews. The little brother of two sisters and cousin to many, he was known as “Davey” in the large and close-knit extended family he was raised in. From countless adventures with cousins in his early days to playing on the beach with his grandsons, spending time with family was always a large part of his life and meant everything to him.

James attended Daggett Elementary and Junior High, and Paschal High School, where he was a member of the state quarter finalist basketball team and was honored by the faculty and administration as a “Royal Purple”. Each year, twenty students from the student body are honored as a Royal Purple for being “the best Paschal has to offer”. From the 1965-66 Annual, “Royal Purples are not just smart, dependable or friendly. They are a combination of these qualities, mixed together to produce a total personality that cannot be ignored. These are the leaders of tomorrow…“

James’s tenacity on the basketball court greatly amplified his natural ability. Recognizing his determination and persistence, Coach Turner consistently tasked him with guarding opponents’ best shooters. He earned All District honors. After high school, James took his love of basketball to the intramural courts and The Fort Worth Club, even traveling abroad to play as part of the Sister Cities program.

James earned a B.A. in History from the University of Texas and graduated with honors from the University of Texas School of Law.

As an undergraduate at UT, while taking a break from the basketball court, he added to his athletic feats by winning an intramural track meet, running the 880 in two minutes—four seconds slower than the state champion—despite having never before run track. James was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order while at UT and continued to serve his fraternity as an alumni advisor after graduation. In 1981, he became a founding trustee of Kappa Alpha Order Educational Foundation, which has granted millions of dollars to support leadership education programs and college scholarships. Compassionate, loyal, and magnanimous, James was an anonymous donor to many charities and causes throughout the years.

In 1972 he married his high school sweetheart, Gerry Burch, and the two made their home in Fort Worth. They had two children who were the lights of his life, son Ryan and daughter Shea. He loved his children fiercely.

In 1974, James joined Fort Worth’s Shannon Gracey Ratliff and Miller law firm, where he concentrated in corporate law and became a partner in 1978. He quickly gained a reputation for his sharp intellect and wise counsel to clients, yet was always available to friends and family in need of legal assistance.

From 1977 to 1978, James served as President of the Tarrant County Young Lawyers Association and was the 1979 Director of the Texas Young Lawyers Association. He held memberships in the Tarrant County Bar Association, American Bar Association, and State Bar of Texas.

In 1990, he joined with Lynn Ross to establish the Ross and Matthews Law Firm. Over time, the firm grew to include more than 100 attorneys, serving clients across Texas. Under James’s leadership, the firm became known for its integrity and commitment to excellence. James retired from the practice in 2019, ending a thirty-year partnership and leaving behind a legacy of professionalism and mentorship that continues to shape the firm.

Always full of energy and enthusiasm, James had a trademark laugh recognizable across a crowded room. His easygoing manner and mischievous sense of humor sometimes belied his fierce intelligence. He was a prolific storyteller, sometimes interweaving fact and fiction to the delight of listeners.

His memory of trivia was remarkable. He could sing complete lyrics from songs and recite dialogue from TV series and movies that were decades old. His memory served him in practical ways as well: rather than having a contact list in his phone, James preferred instead to memorize phone numbers, doggedly tapping the ten digits on the touchscreen to call a friend or an acquaintance.

His wide-ranging interests included astronomy, UT football, history, traveling and the distillation of sour mash whiskey. He loved traveling with family and friends, to historic sites or just for fun. Some of his fondest memories were made on these trips. Visiting Israel and Yellowstone National Park in recent years were two of his favorites. He was a canny poker player who made annual pilgrimages to Las Vegas to play in the World Series of Poker. He also played in other professional tournaments and in frequent poker games at The Fort Worth Club, as well as in various charity games over the years. In 2024, James and his daughter, Shea, flew to Las Vegas for one last go at the World Series of Poker.

After the cancer diagnosis, James continued to move forward with courage and integrity, drawing strength and comfort from his love of life and family, his steadfast faith, and a highly tuned sense of irony. His sense of humor and wit helped carry him through his journey and his optimism never wavered. During the last two years of his life, he traveled with his family to bucket-list destinations and enjoyed the company of friends.

Those who knew and loved James are comforted by the knowledge that he is now and forever at peace. The memories of his generous spirit and a trove of lively anecdotes will live forever in their hearts.

James was preceded in death by his parents, and his son Ryan. He is survived by his loving wife, Gerry; daughter Shea Matthews Patterson, and her husband Matt; grandsons, James and Michael; sisters, Joanne Moler and Eloise Matthews; sister-in-law, Nancy Caudill; and nephews, Chris Caudill, and his wife Tiffany, and Eddie Moler and his wife Jane and their children, Betty Grace and Joey.

A Memorial Service for James will be held on Friday, October 17, at 2:00 p.m., at St. Andrew's Anglican Church, 917 Lamar Street, following a private burial.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to Saint Andrew's Anglican Church or the WARM Place.