JAMES W. MATHENEY

JAMES W. MATHENEY

James Waters Matheney, 90, of Austin, Texas, died peacefully at his home on Thurs-day, April 13, 2017 surrounded by his children.

He was born on Sept. 11, 1926 in El Dorado, to Harriett Waters and Matthew Pierce Matheney.

Jim grew up in El Dorado and graduated from El Dorado High School before going off to Hendrix College. He accepted an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy from 1945 to 1949 and then served in the Navy from 1949 to 1953 where, among other honors, he was the oldest man to complete the rigorous UDT training, a precursor to the Navy SEALS.

He moved home to El Dorado and met and fell in love with his wife of 51 years, Barbara Ann Barton. Jim also opened the El Dorado branch of Schneider Burnet and Hickman, a securities firm, and worked in the securities business until his death.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife Barbara; and a brother, Matthew Pierce Matheney Jr.

He is survived by two sons, James Waters Matheney Jr. and wife, Sandy, of Hot Springs, and Clark Barton Matheney of Austin, Texas; a daughter, Diana Balch of Caldwell, Texas; his brother’s wife, Betty Clippard Matheney and their children Susan, Matt and Kendall; brother-in-law, Thomas Perkins Barton and his wife, Anne Alcorn Barton. “Boompa” also leaves nine grandchildren: Monte, Richard, Leslie, Amanda, Dustin, Sarah, Thomas, James, and Mary Hollis; 10 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Jim enjoyed a good meal, great conversation, dancing, hunting – especially ducks in Arkansas, golf and bridge. He didn’t enjoy riding as a passenger and insisted on driving, car or golf cart, until the end. He was a one of a kind and will be missed by all.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, at First Presbyterian Church of El Dorado. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to HOPE Landing, 214 Hope Landing, El Dorado, AR 71730.

A reception will follow the service from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday at the El Dorado Golf and Country Club.

Obituary and memorial guest book available online at www.wcfish.com . Arrangements are by Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, in Austin.

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