James Michael Matia passed away at Life Care Center of Elyria on Tuesday, September 3, 2013, at the age of 83.
Jim was born in Cleveland, to Margaret and Andrew Matia on July 7, 1930. He graduated from Benedictine High School in 1948. He worked alongside his wife, owning and operating the Grafton Department Store in Grafton.
Fishing, the Cleveland Browns and horse racing were Jim’s passions. In 1961, he experienced the thrill of his horse, Loyal Son, running in the Kentucky Derby.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Life Care Center of Elyria, Cleveland Clinic and Dr. Timur Sarac for their kindness and care for their father at the end of his life.
Jim is predeceased in death by his loving wife, Alice (nee Grella); brother, Tom; sisters, Jane Lutheran and Florence Matia and Margaret and Andrew Matia, parents.
Jim is lovingly remembered by his children, Jayne Eisbrenner (Edward) of Elyria, James I. (Sharon) of Medina, Jack (Barbara) of Avon; his grandchildren, Eric Eisbrenner, Houston, Texas, Ellen Eisbrenner, Dallas, Texas, Jacquelyn Rahmel (Jason), Louisville, Kentucky, Michelle Matia, Avon Lake, Paul Matia, Cincinnati, Vincent Matia, Medina, Allison Matia, Medina; sisters, Ann Watson, Strongsville, and Margaret Chluda (John), Hudson; in addition to several nieces and nephews.
There will no visitation. There will be a Mass at 10 A.M. Saturday, September 7, 2013, at St. Jude Catholic Church, 590 Poplar Street, Elyria, with the Reverend Father Frank P. Kosem, Pastor, as the Celebrant. (Please meet at church) Burial will be private.
Memorial donations may be made to the Cleveland Clinic Heart and Vascular Institute Innovation, in memory of James Matia, at CCF, P.O. Box 93157, Cleveland, OH 44193 or to Life Care Center of Elyria, 1214 South Abbe Road, Elyria, OH 44035.
To leave online condolences for the family, go to www.reichlinroberts.com