James “Jim” Mattison Sr., 86, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Hackettstown, New Jersey, Jim was the son of Roy and Marion Mattison and a graduate of Hackettstown High School, Class of 1958.

Jim was the beloved husband of Eileen Mattison, with whom he shared 61 years of marriage. He was the devoted father of Kristine Cosgrove and her husband, Mark; Jim Mattison Jr. and his wife, Kate; and Jacquelyn Daczewitz and her husband, Philip. He was also a proud grandfather of eight and great-grandfather of three, all of whom brought tremendous joy to his life.

After high school, Jim proudly served in the United States Army as a military police officer, including an assignment in Puerto Rico. He later earned his bachelor’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University while attending night school.

Jim enjoyed a successful business career and retired in 1997 as Vice President of Marketing for Crayola Binney & Smith.

Service to others was an important part of Jim’s life. He was a longtime member of the Hackettstown Fire Department, served on the Mansfield Township Elementary School Board of Education, and coached numerous youth basketball and softball teams in Mansfield Township. His faith was also an important part of who he was. Jim was a founding member of St. Theodore’s Church in Mansfield Township and faithfully served the parish as a Eucharistic Minister for many years.

Jim also had a special way of bringing joy to others. For many years, he served as a Santa helper, visiting hospitals and nursing homes during the Christmas season and bringing smiles to people who needed them most.

When he wasn’t working or serving his community, Jim loved to fish and treasured the simple peace and enjoyment it brought him. One of his favorite places on earth was the Outer Banks of North Carolina, where he cherished time spent with his family and, most especially, with Eileen. The Outer Banks became a place filled with some of his happiest memories—family, laughter, time together, and the woman with whom he shared more than six decades of his life. Jim’s family will continue his Christmas tradition in his honor.

Those wishing to make a donation may use the wish list link below to help provide Christmas gifts to residents of the nursing home where Jim lived during the final two years of his life.  An alternate memory donation can be made to St. Theodore Roman Catholic Church, 855 Route 57, Port Murray, NJ 07865

Above all else, Jim’s greatest pride was his family. His life was one of service—to his country, his community, his church, and, most importantly, to the people he loved. He will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, faith, sense of humor, and devotion to his family. While he will be deeply missed, the life Jim built and the example he set will live on through Eileen, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the many people whose lives were made a little better simply because Jim was part of them.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm at Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at 12:30 pm at Pequest Union Cemetery, Cemetery Road, Great Meadows, NJ.

For those wishing to leave online condolences for the family please visit, www.cochranfuneral.com.