Robert (RJ) Joseph Mathews of Grawn, Michigan, age 61, bravely lost his battle with cancer on Thursday, February 6, 2025, in the comfort of his home that he built for his family. He was born to Robert and Justine Mathews on February 1, 1964, in Wayne, Michigan.

Diamonds are forever and that was the man we knew, a true diamond. RJ will be remembered as one of the kindest, most compassionate man, always putting others before him. Making people happy, especially through his cooking, is what drove him every day. As a life-long resident of Traverse City, he was known by many as he would bump into friends or acquaintances everywhere he went. His life was a true storybook complete with memories of marrying his best friend and creating a beautiful life together, time spent with family with laughter and love, stories of hitchhiking across the country, skiing down hills very few people would even consider, long nights with his buddies doing crazy things and proudly watching his four children and grandchild grow up and have wonderful lives. RJ was "a dreamer" and was fearless in pursuit of his dreams and supporting and believing in his wife and children in accomplishing their own dreams, big or small.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 30 years Jennifer (Bauml) Mathews; his children Casha (Larry) Sizemore of Traverse City, MI, Devon Mathews of West Palm Beach, FL, Cameron Mathews of Grawn, MI, and Lexie (Evan Kinder) Mathews of Kalkaska, MI; his grandson Bryson Mathews of Traverse City, MI; his brother, Michael Mathews; nephew Noah Mathews of Owensboro, KY; and in-laws Sandi and Jim Clark of Interlochen, MI. He is predeceased by his parents, Robert and Justine Mathews and his loving grandparents, Edward and Rose (Grandma Rosie) Shaffran.

Services will take place on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth Street, Traverse City, MI. Visitation with the family will begin at 11:00 a.m., a memorial service officiated by Harold Kranick beginning at 12:00 p.m. with a luncheon immediately following where guests are invited to gather, share stories, and begin to heal in honor of RJ's life-long love of providing and sharing a meal as a sign of love and to nourish and heal the soul.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to offer expressions of sympathy, please consider donating to The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park Children's Sensory Garden, 1490 Red Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684; thebotanicgarden.org in RJ's honor where he was an integral part of the construction of the site.