James "Jimmy" Matthews

James “Jimmy” Matthews, 72, of Newark, Delaware, passed away suddenly on April 18, 2026, in Wilmington.

Born in Wilmington in 1953, he was the son of Harrison and Margaret (Murphy) Matthews. He was preceded in death by his father in 1970, his mother in 2001, and his nephew, Chris Rodenheiser in 2023. He graduated from Conrad High School in Wilmington in 1972.

Jimmy worked for ShopRite for more than 40 years, where he took great pride in his work and was known for his dedication and reliability. He also owned and operated his own disc jockey business, Time Passages, providing music for weddings and events for more than 20 years.  He also worked for Meals on Wheels for many years, reflecting his strong commitment to service. As well, he enjoyed working at the family business Wilmington Safety Supply in Wilmington following his retirement from Shop Rite.

He enjoyed life’s simple pleasures and the people around him. He was a devoted Baltimore Orioles fan and enjoyed spaghetti dinners from Mr. Pasta on Philadelphia Pike, as well as double cheeseburgers and milkshakes from Albie’s in Boothwyn.

He will be remembered for his infectious laugh, which brought joy to those around him, and for his warmth, humor, and generosity.

He is survived by his brother, Jack (Lynn); his sister, Suzanne (Charlie); and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, including Brian, Colleen, Danny, Matt (Tiffany), Mike (Jose), Bridget, Mira, Layla, and Mia. He will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Tuesday, April 28th from 9:30AM-11AM at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Rd., Wilmington, DE 19808, where a funeral service will begin at 11AM. Interment will follow in St. Patrick’s Cemetery – Ashland, 1516 Ashland Clinton School Rd., Hockessin, DE 19707.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Jimmy’s memory to Meals on Wheels Delaware, 100 W. 10th St., Suite 207, Wilmington, DE 19801.

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