James Matkowski, Sr.

James Matkowski Sr. (Bubsy)rnJim was a loyal dedicated employee wherever he worked. This trait started young. And it paid off. At sixteen he bought a brand new 1966 candy apple red Mustang. It was his dream car which he kept until the first baby came along. It wasn’t so good for playpens and strollers. And he gave up his toy happily for his baby girl. Six days a week Jim worked but Sunday was family day. He taught his kids to ride bikes and play baseball. They took trips on a regular basis to Valley Forge Park. There were also those road trips to Florida (three kids in the back seat) to visit his family. His attention later turned to the grandkids. He was the summertime sitter and lifeguard for the backyard pool. It was too hot for him to be outside so he sat in the air-conditioning and barked orders for proper poolside conduct out the window. He enjoyed making home videos. He produced, edited and then had family movie nights with popcorn. rnIf there was any free time for Jim he could be found in Atlantic City. Harrah’s Casino was his favorite haunt. Black Jack and Poker were to be his avenue to millions so he and his wife could retire. It didn’t happen but he sure did enjoy the game. rnHe was a quiet man with a sense of humor that one had to listen for to catch. With a Walkman on he’d be content listening to tapes of the Art Bell radio showrnHe married that girl he chauffeured in his ’66 Mustang, Kathleen (nee Stetto), and they were blessed with three children: Colleen Sanchez (Frank), Tina Bergey (George), and James Jr. (Tiffany), and grandchildren: Alexa and Nicholas Bergey, Matthew and Sophia Sanchez, and Jake Matkowski. Survivors include brothers Chris and Tom and sister Jean Dunn. He was predeceased by a brother Milton.rnCome celebrate 60 family centered years, Thurs. 10 AM at a Memorial Mass, St. Joseph’s Church, 140 Broad St., Swedesboro, NJ.rnDonations to American Lung Assoc., 527 Plymouth Rd., Suite 402, Plymouth Mtg., PA. 19462 in lieu of flowers will be appreciated.rn