Graveside services will be 1 pm Monday at Crestwood Cemetery for James A. (Bubba) Mathis who passed away after an extended illness. Mr .Mathis was born in Etowah County and lived most of his life in Gadsden Alabama. He was a graduate of Emma Sansom High School in 1966 where he played baseball and football. He served 3 years in The United States Marine Corp and in Vietnam. He had an associate's degree in business and graduated with a B.A. from the University Of Hawaii. Management with Physical Education and associate degree from Gadsden State in civil drafting, telecommunications and masonry. Mr. Mathis signed as a free agent contract in 1969 with The Atlanta Braves, went to Twin Falls Idaho then to Shreveport Louisiana AA IN 1968-1969, then to Philadelphia Phillies AA organization in Spartanburg North Carolina in 1969, Mr. Mathis was an avid outdoorsman in hunting and fishing.
He is preceded in death by his parents James Holland Mathis Jr. and Joyce L Mathis , grandparents James Holland Mathis Sr. and Eva Mathis, chosen grandparents W.J. Winkles and Maude J. Winkles.
Mr. Mathis is survived by his sister Sara Mathis niece Charity Walker, son Chris(Lyn) Mathis and grandsons Israel Mathis of Gadsden and Christian Mathis of Cottondale Alabama and numerous cousins.
Brother Bill Harbison will be officiating the graveside service along with spiritual counselor Dave Roberts.
Special thanks to his friends John and Helen Bryan, Eddie Whorton, Billy Bolton, Ray Grisham, Dr. Butch Douthit and to his longtime Marine buddies Ron Smock and Thomas C. McLaughlin. Also to his dear friend Paulette E. Chandler and Bobby Neal and everyone who came to see him, loved and helped him.
Thanks to Gadsden Regional Hospital Cancer Center, V.A. Hospital Oncology in Birmingham doctors and staff.
A special thanks to Camelia Hospice and staff. You were God sent.