James Matz

Dr. James Russell Matz born May 9, 1952 and died on October 27, 2024.  He grew up in Delano, Pennsylvania and graduated from Mahanoy City Area School District where he wrestled and a member of the band.  He went on to Kutztown University majoring in chemistry.  He received a fellowship from Bucknell University and got a masters in chemistry.  Jim decided to pursue a doctorate in chemistry  at the University of Pittsburgh which led to him receiving a post doctorate from Cornell University.  He finally landed a career at the Pennwalt Corporation in Rochester causing Jim to move to the area. He eventually retired from Eastman Kodak where he earned multiple patents for his work.  Jim was married to Frances Matz for 36 years and having a son, Justin Matz.  He was the brother of Susan Erdman (Gerald) of Exeter Township, PA.  He was pre-deceased by a brother John Smith and survived by a niece, Jacqueline Patterson (Maxwell), two nephews; Mark (Becky) of Powhatan, Virginia, and Matthew (Holly) of Northampton, Pennsylvania, along with being a Grear Uncle to 11 nieces and nephews.  Jim was an avid deer and turkey hunter and was always excited for opening day.   Jim’s other hobbies included collecting Lionel Trains and always setup a winter themed layout with buildings and the trains would run around the Christmas tree during the holidays with his son and watching Philadelphia sports teams and attending Rochester Red Wings games.
In lieu of flowers donations can he sent to the Alzheimer’s Association.

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