Everett Jimmy "Mud" Matteson

HAMILTON - Everett Jimmy “Mud” Matteson, 76, went to be with Jesus, Tuesday, April 26, 2016. He was born Dec. 9, 1939 to the late Everett and Genevieve Matteson at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital. He was raised in the Bitterroot Valley graduating from Darby High School in 1958. He married Norma Knez in 1960 and together they created their son Brad and daughter Laurie. In 1983, Jim married Rexine (Loftis) Wilkinson and gained two more sons into his life, Jeff and Brian.

Jim joined the Montana National Guard in 1957 and was honorably discharged in Feb. 1964, mastering field artillery and gaining recognition as an M1 Sharpshooter. He loved talking about the times he spent out on maneuvers.

Jim worked in the logging industry starting with Harold Irwin, then moved to Del Conner Lumber as a fork lift operator and eventually became the Yardboss of the Darby Rail Depot loading the train to send the Bitterroot mountain's lumber around the country. Jim moved to Thompson Logging in the early 70’s as the crew foreman, residing in areas such as Orofino, ID and White Sulphur Springs. Jim came back to Darby a few years later returning to Stoltze Conner Lumber. His favorite “job” though was being the King of the chain gang at the Darby High School football games for over 20 years with his brother Larry - sideline coaching and cheering on the Tigers every game. He loved sports and right up to the end of his life he enjoyed watching the kids he knew play.

In 1994, Jim and Rexine’s faithful hearts led them into the missionary field where they spread the word of Jesus; Initially with YWAM, followed by their creation of ECHO Ministries where they took groups of people and churches into Mexico for ministry, feeding programs, and construction of homes for disadvantaged families. They both touched countless lives all over the world.

Jim is survived by his daughter Laurie (Woody) Lehr of Hamilton, sons Brad Matteson of Helena, Jeff (Jonna) Wilkinson of Jackson Hole, WY and Brian Wilkinson of Hamilton; Brother’s Larry (Marilyn) of Helena; Mike of Hamilton; and sister Kathy (Dan) Muir of Stevensville. Brother-in-laws Terry, Don and Dennis Loftis. Grandchildren Alexandra, Cale, Kimberly, Nick and Chanda. Two Great Grandsons Donovan and Hayden; his faithful side-kick, Ally; plus numerous nieces and nephews whom he cherished.

Jim was the most loving and kind-hearted man a person could know. He had a sense of humor that would never leave. He loved visiting with people and would strike up a conversation with anyone who crossed his path like he had known them forever. He never knew a stranger. He was a die-hard Griz fan, win or lose, enjoying these past few years as a season ticket holder to the football games. He was his daughter's best friend and his son's biggest fan. He will be missed by so many.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Everett and Jen, and his wife Rexine.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at the Assembly of God Church in Hamilton on Monday, May 2nd at 2 pm and will be officiated by Pastor John Weaver and Pastor David Delgatty.

A reception will follow the service at the church.

The family suggests that memorials be made to ECHO Ministry, c/o Jerry McGillivray, 1055 Paradise Valley Rd, Chinook, MT 59523 or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.