Mr. James O. Mathis

James O. Mathis age, 78, of Sykesville James Oliver Mathis, age 78, of Sykesville, passed away on Tuesday, July 21, 2015, at the Carroll Hospital Center. Born February 4, 1937, in Washington, DC he was the son of the late Oliver Bennett Mathis and Sara Jane Miles Mathis. He was the husband of Lois Harp Mathis, his wife of almost 60 years. Jimmy had worked for Glenelg Martin many years ago. He retired from the Bell Atlantic Telephone Company. After his retirement he went to work as Director of Carroll Area Transit where he worked for 8 years. As a child, Jimmy spent his early years at the Strawbridge Home for Boys. He was a graduate of Sykesville High School, Class of 1955 and a graduate of Johns Hopkins University with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering. Jimmy devoted much of his life to helping others. He was a longtime member of Oakland United Methodist Church where he had served in many leadership roles over the years; including serving as the President of the Oakland Cemetery Board of Trustees. He was a former President of the Board of Child Care and had served on their board for 20 years. Jimmy was a lifetime member of the Telephone Pioneers, President of the Sykesville High School, 1940-50's class reunion. He enjoyed golfing and traveling with the Christmas Travelers Group. Surviving in addition to his wife are daughters and sons-in-law; Deborah J. and Bryan Bogas of Chapel Hill, NC and Amy L. Mathis and Nick Gavrishev of Huntingdon Valley, PA; brothers, William W. Mathis of Elberta, AL and Richard E. Mathis of Punta Gorda, FL; sisters, Sara Squillante of Adamsville, TN and Inez Kent of Milton, FL; sister-in-law, Pauline Tracey of Syesville and grandchildren, Nicole Bogas, Allison DeMoss and Everette Gavrishev. He was predeceased by brother, Ronald L. Mathis. The family will receive friends on Friday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm at the Haight Funeral Home & Chapel, 6416 Sykesville Road, Sykesville where a funeral service will be held on Saturday at 11AM. Interment will be in Old Oakland Cemetery, Sykesville. Those desiring may make memorial donations to Oakland Cemetery Trustees, c/o: Gail Martin 6170 Oakland Mills Road, Sykesville, MD 21784 or to the Board of Child Care, 3300 Gaither Road, Baltimore, MD 21244. Online condolences may be offered at www.haightfuneralhome.com

Mr. James O. Mathis

February 4, 1937 - July 21, 2015