James R. "Pops" Van Matre Obituary (1943 - 2017)

James R. Pops Van Matre, 73, of Oakley, IL passed away at 10:00 p.m. on Monday, May 22, 2017. A service to honor and celebrate Jims life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, May 26, 2017 at LaPlace Church of the Brethren. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation from 10:00 a.m. until service time. Jim will be laid to rest in LaPlace Cemetery. Dawson & Wikoff North Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorial contributions may be directed to LaPlace Church of the Brethren. Jim was born on November 13, 1943 in Decatur, IL, the son of JB and Elaine (McCartney) Van Matre. He married Karen K. Hirsch on September 15, 1961. Jim retired from Mueller Co. as a mechanic after 42 years of service. He was a member of LaPlace Church of the Brethren. Jim was a Boy Scout leader for several years and was a trustee for Oakley Township working on the roads. Most recently he had been driving the rollback at Decatur Auto Auction. Jim was best known as Pops to all the children who grew up with his sons. Jim is survived by his wife: Karen K. Van Matre of Oakley, IL; sons: James (Donna) Van Matre of LaPlace, IL, Bob (Tracy) Van Matre of Bement, IL and Tom Van Matre of Hammond, IL; grandchildren: Heather and Jesse Champion, Holly Van Matre, Jacob Van Matre, Breanna and Brandi Van Matre, Zachary, Amber and Tyler Van Matre; great granddaughters: Clover, Paisley and Tizzy Champion. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister: Elizabeth (Rollie) Rokosch. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.dawson-wikoff.com.