Birth date: Dec 28, 1967 Death date: May 10, 2022
Jefferson “Jay” John Matthews, IV of Covington, LA passed away on Tuesday, May 10, 2022 after a hard, courageous battle with prostate cancer. He was born in New Orleans, LA on December 28, 1967 to Jefferson John Matthews III and N Read Obituary
My sincere and deepest condolences to the Matthews family on their loss. I had the privilege of knowing and spending time with Jay during his electrical apprenticeship. He was an asset to our apprenticeship program and a pleasure to be around. His hard work and dedication to his studies resulted in his being selected to represent the apprenticeship program and IBEW #130 as our outstanding apprentice. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Wokers, Local Union #130 lost a good friend and brother.
Morty Branighan, Jr., Retired Director
New Orleans Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Program
Oh Jay-Gone too soon. What can I say…
You were only a baby when I moved from Louisiana, but oh what a baby! You were at my wedding in 1968, only 8 months old in a stroller. It’s one of my most precious memories. My Mom and Dad, and Gramps, loved watching you grow, always ready to update me with fun stories of your antics. They were so proud of you and would have loved the man you became.
Your wit, warmth, wisdom and generosity will be long remembered.
Whenever I visited you regaled me with Louisiana cuisine, whether it be Fried Fish, Gumbo, Crawfish or Oysters. Whatever you prepared was truly food for the gods.
You always put your family first and for that you will live on in our hearts.
While we thank God for sharing you with us for over 54 years, we all wish it could have been longer. I will carry you, that little 8 month old baby dressed for a wedding, with me until we meet again.
With love, Aunt Jan
We will never forget that Halloween that Jay and Gus dressed as Batman and Robin when they were teenagers in a child's size 8 or 10 costume because that was all that was left that night to get at Kmart. They fit like midriffs and shorts. It was hilarious! They were a crazy pair. Jay had a great smile whenever we were in his company.
With our sincere sympathy, Cherlyn & Darryl Klein
Jay, there are no words to say that will show how much you will be missed. Growing up, you were always like a big brother to me. I can remember going to parades, crawfish boils on the water, hanging out with family, and riding on the pontoon. Whenever you were there, we always ate good that’s for sure! I will miss your hugs and witty spirit. Love and miss you always, Magan
Jay, I was so proud to become your father. Before long, we were creating a special bond that would last a lifetime. You were in diapers and crawling around my greasy garage floor, teething on a 9/16 wrench. I dragged you around in the woods with me and you would follow carrying your rifle. You were a quick study and became an avid hunter. You and Gus terrorized the woods on the West Bank. One day, you wanted to shoot black birds and I said ok, but remember, you need to eat everything you kill. You ate sixteen black birds that day.
You were born a fisherman and that was your true passion. People always tell fish stories, but son you always had the fish to show and for us to eat.
I was proud when you became a fourth generation electrician and a third generation IBEW Union Electrician. You ended your career with Ordes Electric when your battle with prostate cancer made it to difficult to work. We are thankful for the support Ordes Electric gave you doing your illness.
I will be reflecting on our times together. I can’t imagine my life without you. Miss you so much my son, my best friend.
Love,
Dad
Jay, Twenty-one years ago you became my step-son. I always loved the person you were and bragged about you frequently. I was intrigued by the things that always captured your attention; simple things like the osprey nesting in the trees on the Bayou, beautiful Bayou skies, sunsets, stars and driftwood. Umm, mentioning wood reminds me of how much you loved burning wood in the fire pit! You loved to cook and was excited when you tried something new with unique flavors or something as simple as biscuits (of course, this isn’t simple for some people). Our camping trips, chats and marshmallow roasting by the fire, and taking the kids for a walk in the woods. Celebrating Saints’ games, tailgating, parades, Kentucky Derby Day fun, and wine tastings. Out dancing with you was quite unique! I remember turning and seeing you with dancing moves I had never seen before, like changing a light bulb or starting a lawn mower. I think you were the originator of these dance moves. Playing games with you was fun and of course we were always the best (I know you would love hearing me say that). I liked to give gadgets for gifts and watch you figure out how to use them, especially the snow cone machine and potato peeler. Our sharing holiday celebrations, going to dinner as a family, having an ice cold beer….I could go on and on. I am going to miss you so much and there will be an emptiness in my life. But I will also have a heart full of love, happy memories and will thank God for blessing me with you, sweet guy. Rest In Peace.
You were/are my hero. Most of my happiest memories in Louisiana involve you my cousin. I know so many people knew you so much longer than I ever got the chance to know you. I am sincerely jealous of all of the people who got to spend more time with you.
I remember when I was around 7 years old playing monopoly with you and arguing about how much change I owed you when you landed on Baltic ave. and paid me.
I remember coming over and believing you when you when told me you knew how to build a real laser gun.
I remember being sad when I came over and you couldn’t play because you had diarrhea.
I remember you waking me up and leading me to a place where we were watching all the parents participate in a wet tee shirt contest while watching from under a van in 1978 at a bayou boogie van club event after we were supposed to be sleeping.
I remember missing you when I moved to California and sending you some trinkets to try to stay connected.
I remember always wanting to be more like you.
I will always love and remember you Jay. I know you’ll be missed by everyone who ever really knew you.
