Matthew Ruben James was born to Jimmie & Josephine James on May 12, 1950 in Hoopa, and passed away on April 16, 2016.

Matthew was a proud Yurok Tribal member and was raised along the Klamath River. He attended Hoopa High School and later worked Madera Welding Co. and Oakland Automotive. He loved working on cars, and making baby moccasins.

Matthew is preceded in death by his father, Jimmie James Sr. and mother Josephine James; his sisters Earlene, Rebecca, & Lorita James; his brothers Paul & Jimmie James Jr.

Matthew is survived by his only son Rafey James Sr.; his grandchildren Rafey Jr., Brandon & Brittany. His Sisterss Patti James, Earlene Mattz, Noreen Jones, his brother Joe James; and numerous nieces, nephews.

Special thanks to Eureka Rehab & Wellness for their efforts in taking care of him. Special Thanks to Brittany & Patti his friends.

Matthew’s funeral services will be held Friday April 22, 2016 at 11 a.m. at the Johnson’s Shaker Church, with interment to follow at the Johnson’s cemetery. Reception will be held at the Yurok Tribal Office in Weitchpec following the services. A visitation will be held at Ayres Thursday April 21 at 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Pallbearers will be his nephews.  

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The obituary above was submitted by Matthew James’ family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.