Obituary of James Cofran Matheson

James “Jim” Cofran Matheson of Fredericton, NB passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital. Born on April 14, 1940 in St. Stephen, NB, he was the son of the late Cofran and Mildred (Cumberland) Matheson.

Jim is survived by his daughters, Tracey Matheson of St. Stephen, NB, Zara Matheson of Redlands, CA, and Alyssa Matheson of Toronto, ON; grandchildren, Courtney, Zack, Sadie, Maxine and Joseph; great-grandchildren, Zoey, Simon and Nolan; siblings, Karen Gregor (Matheson), Dana Matheson, Alan Matheson, Heather Matheson and Chris Matheson; many loved nieces and nephews.

Jim grew up in St. Stephen and returned there after attending teacher’s college at the University of New Brunswick. He worked as a teacher until his retirement, instilling in his students a love of the written word and the great outdoors. In his later life, he split his time living in Fredericton and Toronto, where he voraciously cheered on the Blue Jays and Raptors. 

Jim loved traversing the outdoors either on foot or by bicycle. Whether it was hiking up mountain ridges in Maine or strolling city blocks, he was always happiest when exploring new places and meeting new people. An avid reader and film buff, Jim was also very active in the theatre communities in both NB and Toronto.

A kind and gentle man, forever young at heart, he will be greatly missed by those that knew him.

Visitation will take place at York Funeral Home, 302 Brookside Drive, Fredericton, NB on Monday, December 2, 2024 from 2 – 4 pm. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to 12 Neighbours Community, the Fredericton Trails Coalition or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com

“There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in”