Born the fifth of six children, James Matthews grew up in Cental California. He attended Concordia University Portland, Oregon before returning to California and graduating from California State University, Sacramento with a degree in Business Administration, and an Accounting Emphasis. After graduating, he became a Certified Public Accountant.
After becoming a CPA, Law School beckoned. In 1992, a diploma with honors was awarded from McGeorge School of Law and attorney James Matthews began practice of law. In 1992 wedding bells sounded for Jim and B.J. Matthews (Guck). On a 100+ degree August day in Sacramento Jim and B.J exchanged vows and rings as they were married. The Matthews family also includes daughter Korin, and son Justin. A third child, Dylan was called to glory as a toddler.
After 15 years as an attorney the Matthews family packed up their household in Olympia, Washington and headed to St. Louis where James entered Concordia Seminary, St. Louis to begin studying for the ordained ministry. When asked why he left the practice of law for the ministry, he jokingly replies, "I mastered the law, now I need to work on the Gospel."
A lifeling member of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, infant James was baptized at the ripe old age of 28 days old. Although he experimented with other denominations through friends during his high school and college years, the truth found in the teachings of the Lutheran Confessions and the unwavering acceptance of the Holy Bible as the inerrant Word of God, kept bringing him back to Lutheranism.
Reverend Matthews completed his formal seminary education and vicarage in June of 2011. He was ordained on June 5,2011 and has served Grace Lutheran Church ever since. As the called shepherd of Grace, Pastor Matthews is the servant of God in our midst. As he serves God, he strives to emulate the serving ministy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in our church family and our community.