James was a faithful member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Belleville, IL, for over 50 years. James served in the United States Army from March 1954 – December 1955. He retired from Anheuser Busch in 1994, as a machinist. James was a dedicated member of District No. 9 International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers for 50-years, formerly served as union president, and union member of the year. James was an avid outdoors man, he especially loved camping and fishing. He also enjoyed bowling and watching sports. His favorite thing in life was being with his lovely wife Mary Ann over their many years together and taking occasional casino trips.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 65 years, Mary Ann, nee Hagene, Matychowiak, whom he married on June 8, 1954, and who died on March 7, 2020, his parents, Edmund Felix and Eva Barbara, nee Nikrant, Matychowiak; four brothers, Stanley, Leonard, George, and Edmund; and two sisters, Thekla and Ida.
Surviving are his two children, Kevin (Lynn) Matychowiak of Belleville, IL, and Angela (Mark) Emke of Belleville, IL; five grandchildren, Kimi Matychowiak, Kyle Matychowiak, Alex (Kristyn) Matychowiak, Jacob (Trista) Emke, and Nicholas (Samantha) Emke; and two great-grandchildren, Kenzie Emke and Colt Emke.
A special thanks to the nurses and staff on the memory care unit at St. Paul’s Senior Community.
Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, or to St. Mary Catholic Church. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, February 17, 2023, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Friday, February 17, 2023, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Belleville, IL, with Fr. Michael Arockiam officiating.