James “Jim” E. Matt, Sr., age 76, of the Town of Lee, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2018, at Rome Memorial Hospital, after a courageous battle with ALS.
Jim was born in Rome on April 27, 1942 to the late John and Mary Piatkowski. He was educated in the West Leyden Schools. On April 28, 1962, he was united in marriage to the former Emma Buhler. Jim worked as a machine operator at Spargo Wire and Pettibone Corp, and also worked for the Oneida County Highway Department.
Jim was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed fishing and riding snowmobiles in his younger days. He also loved to meet people and make new friends.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Emma; two sons, James E. Matt, Jr. and Jerry Matt both of Ava; three brothers, Robert (Nancy) Matt of Rome, Richard (Ann) Matt of Remsen, and John (Susan) Matt of Cooperstown; sisters in law, Karen Matt of Rome, and Marlene Matt of Ava; brothers in law, Edward DeFraine of Lee Center, Walter Buhler Sr. of Ava, and Walter (Carol) Berwick Sr. of Ava; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Anna DeFraine; brothers and sisters in law, Edward (Helen), Lawrence (Marion), Stanley, and Earl Matt, Sandy Buhler, and Katheryn Berwick.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday at 10 AM at St. Joseph’s Church, Lee Center, with Rev. Robert L. Kelly officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery.
Relatives and friends may call at the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street, on Friday from 5 to 8 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to ALS and/or the American Cancer Society.
Please offer online condolences at: www.BarryFuneralHome.com.
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