James M Matheny Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

James Michael “Jambo” Matheny passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 in Yakima, WA. James was born October 12, 1966 at Clarkston, WA to Patricia Webb Matheny and Ronald H. Matheny and was raised in Lapwai, Idaho where he graduated high school in 1985. He was a proud member of the Nez Perce Tribe. James was a gifted athlete and excelled in all sports including baseball, softball, football, soccer, and especially basketball. He was a member of the 1985 Idaho State Champion Lapwai Wildcat basketball team and won countless championships on the All-Indian basketball and softball circuit. Jambo was a well-known and respected athlete and made many good friends throughout Indian Country during his travels. James met Andrea Adams on the basketball trail in 1996 and moved to Yakima in 1997 to be near her. James and Andy were married in August 2003 and built their home and raised their family at the Adams’ property on South Ahtanum. He loved his family more than anything and felt blessed to share his October 12th birthday with his daughters Ally and Alexa. They referred to themselves as the “Libra gang.” James and Andy were blessed with daughters Drea; Ally; and Alexa; son James, Jr.; nephew Jay Walter; and grandchildren Amera and Cyrus. James supported his kids’ academic and athletic pursuits and always encouraged them to work hard and do their best at whatever they were doing. Although he played thousands of games himself, he was most stressed watching his kids play. He was very proud of all of his kids’ accomplishments in the classroom, on the court, and in life. He was particularly proud that his daughter Ally chose to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps. James appreciated the little things in life and was always happy and got along with everyone he met. He shared his beautiful smile and contagious laugh freely. He was a loyal fan of the Dallas Cowboys, Boston Celtics, and Seattle Mariners and loved watching and talking about sports. He understood that sports and life are analogous and that nothing is achieved without commitment to success. James worked for Washington DSHS in Yakima as an Information Technology System Specialist from 1997 until his passing. He was preceded in death by his parents, Patricia Webb Matheny and Ronald H. Matheny. He is survived by his wife Andrea; children Drea (Kaimana) Haleakala-Town; Ally; James, Jr.; Alexa; and Jay Walter; brothers Troy (Serena) Matheny and Kermit (Sally Jo) Mankiller; sister Traci (Mike) McKarcher; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends. A memorial dinner will be held at Lapwai, Idaho o Pineewaus gym on Sunday, March 7th, 2021 at 1 p.m. Family request in lieu of flowers donations can be made to Venmo @Ar_matheny for burial expenses at a later date. Family requests masks be worn.

James M Matheny

October 12, 1966 - March 2, 2021

Navigation

Address

Contact Us

James M Matheny

October 12, 1966 - March 2, 2021

Navigation

Address

Contact Us

365 Days of Grief Support