James Matson of Thief River Falls, MN, 76, passed away in his wife's arms on Thursday October 16, 2014 at his residence in Thief River Falls, MN Funeral service will be Monday, October 20, 2014 at 11:00 AM in Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Reverend Ale Tulu and Reverend John Golv Officiating. Burial will be held at Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls. Visitation will be 5 - 8 PM at Zion Lutheran Church on Sunday, October 19, 2014 with a 7:00 PM Prayer service and also one hour prior to the service on Monday. James Thomas Matson was born in his family's little log house on July 6, 1938 in Rosewood, MN, the son of Thomas and Anna (Nygaard) Matson. He was baptized at Rindahl Lutheran Church and confirmed at Silverton Lutheran Church. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1957. Following graduation, Jim worked for the State Highway Department in the summer of 1957. In the summer of 1958 Jim helped on the Si and Marge Hanson farm. Jim attended vocational school at the Thief River Falls AVTI for accounting, graduating in 1959. On June 1, 1963 he was united in marriage to Dianne Lian at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN. Together they made their home and raised their children in Thief River Falls. On September 16, 1959 Jim started working for Union State Bank as a teller. As the bank saw several name changes, Jim continued his work with all of them, eventually becoming the senior vice president for farm loans. He worked until his retirement in 1997 - at the same bank - today called Wells Fargo. Jim was a proud member of the National Guard and served for several years. He was a member of the Thief River Falls Jaycees, the Legion Color Guard, the Eagles and Elks Club, the Chamber of Commerce Farmer Merchant Mixer, and was the Concert Series Treasurer. He was also active in the Heritage Center as a gaming manager, the Education Foundation, the United Way, and played a big part in Dairy Days - raising all funds donated in recent years. Jim was a real "people person," loving everyone. He lived to visit and couldn't get enough of spending time with all of his friends, family, and even strangers. Jim's favorite pastime as well as his pride and joy, was his family farm. He spent many hours perfecting the grounds, manicuring the grass, and maintaining the buildings. During his senior year in high school Jim lived with his sister and brother-in-law, Audrey and Donald Erickson. Donald needed a drummer for his band referred to as, "The Big Band," and that began his career in music. He was involved in many bands over the years including The Trio with Bob Davidson and Kensel Erickson; The Fugitives with Eddie and Al Walseth, Roger Kolden and Al Finney; The Cathy Erickson Band and several others. Jim took part in several musicals at Northland Community and Technical College and at several area churches. For 50 years Jim was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church and loved singing in the church choir. During that time a quartet was formed including Jim Matson, Van Swanson, Pastor Raymond and Joel Ranum. They enjoyed performing and together traveled to the surrounding area churches and other functions. The quartet recorded a CD which will be played during Jim's visitation. Jim is survived by his loving wife, Dianne Matson of Thief River Falls, MN; children Jill (Jeff) Enggren of Mankato, MN, Jeffrey Matson of Thief River Falls, MN, Jayne (Ken) Swanson of Thief River Falls, and Elk River, MN; grandchildren Alicia Rux of Fargo, ND, Jesse and Katie Enggren Mankato, MN; siblings Marrie Coffman of Sun City, AZ, Shirley (Russell) Jesperson of Plummer, MN and Janice Matson of Thief River Falls, MN along with several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, son John, siblings Alton Nelson, Adrian Nelson, Audrey Erickson, Eugene (Pal) Nelson, Marilyn Kuzel, and Gaylene Race.