James "Jim" Norman Mattson Jr., 83 of Traverse City entered heaven where he met Jesus face to face on Friday, January 26, 2024.
Jim was born on September 20, 1940 in Fargo, North Dakota to the late James and Edna (Christianson) Mattson.
One day while driving his hot black mustang while stopped at a red light he caught the eye of a beautiful young lady named Barbara. The two fell in love and were married on November 3, 1967. Together they raised two wonderful children Travis and Tiffany.
Honorably, he served our Country in the United States Army. After his time in the service he went to work in a lab for an optical company. The company eventually transferred him to Michigan in 1977. He and his family eventually landed in Traverse City. He started working at the Civic Center in Maintenance and worked his way up to his dream job of being a devoted care taker of the Twin Lakes Camp. He tended the property and maintained the machinery. He and his wife enjoyed interacting with the many campers and different organizations over the 12 years they were there.
He kept busy by going to car shows and races, custom building model cars and reading and studying his Bible daily. His favorite prayer time was during his 2 mile walk 6 days a week. An early morning breakfast was his favorite meal.
He was a member at one time of Church of the Living God and had attended Westside Church.
Jim was a devoted husband, father, involved grandfather and great grandfather. He will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him including his cat Smokey.
Jim is survived by his wife Barb of 56 wonderful years, his children, Travis (Angie) Mattson, Tiffany (James) King, grandchildren Shelby (Will) Fluharty, Jimmy (Emily) King, Dakota (Kaitlan) King, Hunter King, Jericho King, his great granddaughter Nora Fluharty, sister Shari Aabye and many other family members. Preceding in death are his parents James and Edna Mattson, his sister Jan Peterson and beloved in-laws.
A memorial service will be held at 3pm on Monday, February 5, 2024 with a visitation held one hour prior at Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Please, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Cherryland Humane Society or to Ron Hutchcraft Ministries.