They remembered he started so much after he came home from World War ll: Home Federal Savings, Gainesville College, Mule Camp Market.
He was involved in so much, including the Northeast Georgia History Center, preserving the Chief White Path cabin and the Boy Scouts.
Reverend Bill Coates said James Mathis Senior was one who believed, "if you give, you will receive."
"The titans of Gainesville are leaving us, and surely one of those titans was James Mathis," Dr. Coates said.
Dr. Coates said Mathis was one of those who "built great institutions that make all of our lives better." Mathis, who died last Sunday, was remembered by his son Gregg and his granddaughters as a beloved father and grandfather and as a humble, generous, patriotic man.
Family member Matt Dubnik said Mathis set an example, and taught a lesson.
"That life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are blessings, and we should do our part to give back to our fellow man," Dubnik said.
The service included a country ballad Mathis loved entitled 'The Chain of Love'.
Guitarist and vocal soloist Bruce Fields sang the refrain, "Don't let the chain of love end with you."
Mathis was remembered as a beloved father and grandfather and as a humble, generous, patriotic man
The service included a country ballad Mathis loved entitled 'The Chain of Love'.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2009/7/221819