Willis James Mattinson (Jim), passed away peacefully Monday July 17th, 2023 surrounded by his dear wife and family. He was born on April fool’s day, April 1, 1938 in Spanish Fork Utah as an only child to Clara and Charles Willis Mattinson. Jim became an accomplished trumpet player, and tennis player in High School. He played his trumpet in a local jazz band. He met his sweetheart and future wife early in his school days.
He worked many jobs as a teenager including helping his dad (Boss) at Del Monte canning factory in Spanish Fork. Dad liked studying and “hitting the books” his entire life. His most studied book ended up being a medical book. He graduated from BYU and the University of Utah earning a degree in Business and a Master’s Degree Industrial Engineering. His employment included 18 years at Kennecott and several years with Hercules working as an industrial engineer. Dad was a hard and dedicated worker. He worked shift work at Kennecott and worked second jobs to contribute to the family for outings and vacations.
Jim developed a love of jogging and ran many races in his life including 5 marathons. He later enjoyed walking around the neighborhood and the Sandy area and probably tallied these walked miles into the thousands. Neighbors would see him walking almost anywhere and often miles from home. Numerous pairs of shoes met their fate on dad’s feet. It is ironic that he would later lose the big toe on his right foot due to an unknown cause. He liked Pepsi and would walk a fair distance for a good fountain drink.
He loved camping with his family especially at Capitol Reef and the Spruces. He and LaWana loved their truck and trailer. For 25 years dad would install the “Club” on his truck’s steering wheel to keep his truck safe from unseen thieves. He kept his dashboard like new with a sun-shade always in place and the window cracked just a little.
Dad had many unusual health challenges in his life and valiantly battled each one as they came. His dear wife LaWana coached him back to life after a serious and sudden brain condition nearly took his life. He was 47. The resulting brain condition required him to learn to read and write all over again and he had to struggle a great deal even with simple things we all take for granted. Over the years, other health challenges presented and each time dad confronted them with great strength and determination.
Jim shared an endearing, exuberant, and enthusiastic love for all people he came to know. He was never shy with giving hugs and kisses or pats on the leg, and even to people that least expected it. Sometimes he would have a little food on his mouth when he kissed you. He loved to laugh and always showed unique compassion and deep love for each family member.
Three years ago he and mom were delivered the devastating news that their youngest child and son Scott had not survived a serious car accident. Monumental grief and sorrow were endured patiently. He continuously prayed for his family over the years and had a deep and abiding testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ. He was always a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He loved home teaching and was loved by his fellow neighbors and Ward members. The many years of Jim’s suffering and constant health challenges turned him into an unusually kind and loveable man.
Jim is survived by his dear and cherished wife LaWana, children: Susan (Stephen Mannschreck) Mattinson, Craig (Pamela) Mattinson, Pam (Brian) Capson, Lorraine (Cary) Bruteig, Scott (preceded dad’s death) (Cammie) Mattinson, 21 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren. A special thank you is expressed by the family to the many compassionate health care workers, and later, hospice caregivers that helped dad along his life’s journey.
A viewing will be held Tuesday July 25, 2023, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South). Funeral Services will be Wednesday July 26, 2023, at 11 am at the Hillcrest 1st Ward, 8485 South 1000 East, with a viewing one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at the Spanish Fork City Cemetery, 420 South 400 East.
For those unable to attend the service in person, the family invites you to join via Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86167232921. A free Zoom account is required and you will need to sign in to join.
You and your family gave him such wonderful care! It shows the quality of your family and the love and support you share. Love to everyone! Carolyn and Randy Dixon
Grandpa, thank you for your example of love, kindness and strength. I will miss hugging on you and reading to you. I often think about the time you walked my little brothers and I to the park to play basketball and then to the corner store to get candy. That was such a fun day and I cherish the individual time we got to spend with you. You were always cheerful and the best company. I wrote this poem in your honor. “ They say grief is love with nowhere to go, but really that love helps generations grow. We take the good that was taught before and instill family values at the core. Our children’s children will know this love, how to forgive and never give up. Our loved ones live on in us. We see them as we build on and trust, they gave us everything we need, to succeed as a family.” I love you Grandpa and hope you will visit me in my dreams. Goodbye for now. XOXO, Maddy
I have so many fond and special memories with Grandpa. We read the newspaper together when I was learning to read and he helped me annunciate the longer and harder words. He was relearning how to read himself and he was the first adult to ask me how to pronounce a word here or there, and when I realized he wasn't just testing me but was actually learning as well, it created a very special admiration for him that I would carry my whole life. He was so earnest and open in his quest to regain his knowledge that it showed me it was okay to ask questions and not know the answers and continuously strive to learn. He took me on walks and hikes and showed me plants and bugs; teaching me about the poisonous, dangerous, or edible ones. There are a few things in my life that are so intertwined with Grandpa (and Grandma too) that I will always think of them when they happen; camping is one of those things. Camping trips are full of fun memories of grandpa for me. There were several trips to Capitol Reef and other camping sites where I had the opportunity to ride with grandpa and I gleaned a few colorful and fun names to call other drivers when they're acting foolish (Jack Smack is one I still use today). Grandpa loved Grandma's sweets and treats as much as us grandkids do and he'd always be just as excited as us when it was time to eat. He could be a little messy while eating and often left a little residue of food or drink when he'd give me a kiss, but I cherish that leftover love on my cheek because I know how raw and real Grandpa's love for me is. I've always felt loved. Thank you for loving me Grandpa.
Grandpa is such a strong man. With lots of courage and thoughts. Always intrigued, full of joy, and laughter at the answers. Always delighted to see you, always! Giving you a big wet kiss and strong hug, only to quickly show off his cherished wife. Always explaining and showing you something neat Grandma LaWana had done. Asking questions during muted commercials and hoots and hollers at the basketball players.
I remember so many camping trips, backyard basketball games and Grandmas cooking, which grandpa just loved.
Thank you for the examples, for the memories, for being such a strong team. I love you both greatly!!