Jim passed away suddenly but peacefully on Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Lethbridge, Alberta.

He was predeceased by his grandparents James and Ethel Freel and Charles and Ireta Matkin; parents Jim and June Matkin; brothers John and Michael Matkin; sister Connie Tarnava brother-in-law Greg Tarnava; and his niece Cassidy Matkin.

Jim is survived by his sisters Kathy Matkin-Clapton (Christian Clapton), Sharla Matkin (George Szilagyi); nieces and nephews Isaac Prusky, Abigayil and Maiya Clapton, Elijah and Rain Matkin-Szilagyi, Carmen Geigle (Nick), Laura Goalen (Ed), Mark McNevin and Mike Matkin. A beloved member of the Lethbridge community, Jim's warmth and friendship touched the lives of countless people, and his loss is deeply felt by all who knew him.

Jim was born in Magrath on April 7, 1956. After moving to Milk River, where he and his siblings thrived in the freedom of small-town life, the family settled permanently in Lethbridge in 1970. As the eldest of six children, music became his escape. Thus began a lifetime of collecting records and playing them at full volume from the basement, most often with his friends Tom and Barney. His other passion was playing golf in Waterton, first with grandfather, Joe Freel, and then with lifelong friends, the Big Fat Old Pigs (BFOP). Jim organized the annual BFOP tournament for this group for more than 25 years. The golf was always great, but his awards ceremony and hospitality were legendary.

Jim's gift for building community came naturally, which is why he couldn't go anywhere without running into an appreciative person he'd extended kindness to. This popularity led our family to dub him the unofficial "Mayor of Lethbridge". This community adulation stemmed from 42 years of outstanding customer service at the post office, where he worked until his retirement last year. Although the job could be challenging and the hours long, it allowed him to do what he loved best every day: connecting with people in a way that would make their lives better. That was "Post Office Jim"— a man cherished by co-workers, customers and friends. His loss will be felt deeply by all of them.

His most enduring role, however, was that of a devoted son to our mother. This pair did everything together - garage sailing, visiting every garden store, perusing the farmer's market and planning epic family events just to delight our children. Jim was the family photographer, historian and barbecue master. He was also our Santa Claus for many years, long after his nieces and nephews stopped believing. He and Mom reveled in these family gatherings, but above all, Jim knew that she was happiest sitting on her deck in the sunshine, surrounded by her flowers. After her passing, he continued to beautify this space in her honour, creating a sanctuary where birds and butterflies could gather.

A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at MARTIN BROTHERS FUNERAL CHAPELS, 610 – 4 Street, South, Lethbridge, Alberta.

To honour his memory, donations can be made to the LSCO Meals on Wheels Program. Jim actively volunteered for this program after retiring, maintaining his connection to the community he loved through his ongoing acts of service. https://lethseniors.com/mealsonwheels/#donate