Dr. John Jacob Mathewson Obituary (1924 - 2009)

Dr. John Jacob Mathewson passed away on June 10, 2009, losing a brief, but hard-fought battle with cancer. Dr. Mathewson was born in Greenville, Illinois, on August 20, 1924, to Henry and Grace Mathewson and raised in Bond County. He fought in the U.S. Army infantry during the Pacific Campaign of WWII. He graduated from Greenville College and University of Illinois School of Medicine. He rejoined the U.S. Army for his medical residency. Throughout the years, he practiced medicine in Pana and Springfield, Illinois, Lubbock and Shiner, Texas, and Lakeland, Florida. Dr. Mathewson was board certified in Family Practice and was one of the first doctors to become certified in Emergency Medicine, when it was recognized as a medical specialty. He retired from practice in August, 2008. John loved medicine and was a compassionate as well as skilled physician. John was a devoted family man and liked raising Charolais cattle and farming. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Patricia Mathewson, son, Jeff (Karen) Mathewson, Jefferson City, MO, son, Craig (Cheri) Mathewson, Fairview Heights, IL, and daughter, Susan Edwards, Oconee, IL. He is also survived by grandchildren Lauren Marshall, John C. Mathewson, Kristen Wimpee, Katherine (John) West, Marc Wimpee, Allison Wimpee, Wes Mathewson, and two great-grandchildren, Orin and Chandler. He was preceded in death by his brother, Dr. Raymond (Bill) Mathewson, and sister, June Black. Funeral Information A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. in the First United Methodist Church, Pana.