Rev. James "Jim" Mattson

Rev. James Allyn Mattson, 90, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2025 at Wellington Place in Decorah, IA.

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 22, 2025 , at First Lutheran Church, 604 W. Broadway St., Decorah, IA, with Pastor Severtson presiding. Burial will be at the Lutheran Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday at the church.

Please use the link to for the services livestream: https://youtube.com/live/1Q-j1QtLdMY

Memorial gifts may be sent to First Lutheran Church, 604 W. Broadway St. Decorah, IA, WinnMed Hospice, 901 Montgomery St. Decorah, IA.

James (Jim) was born October 16, 1934, in Milaca, MN, the son of James E. and Alice (Thoma) Mattson. Jim was the oldest of 3 children. His younger siblings were Marilyn and Robert.  As a youth, he grew up in Duluth, Pine City, Milaca and Princeton, MN. Jim graduated from Princeton High School in 1952. Following graduation, he worked for Honeywell as a drill press operator.  He also worked for Douglas Aircraft in Los Angeles, CA. Shortly after, he moved to Phoenix, AZ where his parents were living. Jim then made the decision to attend the University of Minnesota where he enjoyed theatre and was a news reader for the U of M student radio station. He majored in history and was a proud graduate of the class of 1957.

Jim met Sharron, his wife, participating in Luther League activities. They were married June 1, 1957 and started their life together in Princeton, MN. Jim’s work varied from selling appliances, real estate and as an insurance agent. Later, Jim felt the call to ministry and they moved to Minneapolis where Jim attended Luther Seminary. He received his divinity degree and was ordained in 1967 at his home church, Immanuel Lutheran in Princeton, MN.

Together they raised 3 children, Paul, Anne and Steven while serving several parishes in Iowa. St. John’s Lutheran Church Western Douglas rural Plainfield, IA, Zion American Lutheran Church in Wyoming, IA and First Lutheran Church in Britt, IA. He served on several boards and committees associated with the Iowa District including the local church camp, nursing home, hospice and college.

Jim was a dynamic preacher. He was a storyteller where facts only sometimes played significant roles. He was well known for always being ready with an Ole and Lena joke!  Additionally, he was a letter and poem writer.He would hand write personal letters and poems to his children and grandchildren on special occasions encouraging them and letting them know he loved them.

In retirement, Jim and Sharron moved to Rochester, MN to be near family (especially their grandchildren!). After living in parsonages for most of his ministry, they finally bought their first ‘brand new’ home. During retirement, he was blessed to serve as the visitation pastor for Zumbro Lutheran Church in Rochester, MN. He and Sharron enjoyed traveling with good friends and vacations with Sharron’s sister and family to many fun and exotic places around the U.S.  Jim and Sharron also enjoyed trips to Germany and Norway. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with an Alaskan cruise for the entire family. Jim also traveled to the Holy Land; an experience he deeply treasured.

When Sharron needed additional care due to dementia, they moved to Decorah, IA in 2014 to be near Paul and Miri. Jim lived at Vennehjem senior living while Sharron was in Aase Haugen memory care.  When he began to need more care, Jim moved to assisted living and eventually transitioned to skilled nursing care at Wellington Place.

Jim is survived by his children: Paul Robert Mattson and Miri (Peterson) Mattson, Decorah, IA. Anne Elizabeth (Mattson) McAnallen and Mitch McAnallen, Phoenix, AZ. Steven James Mattson and Sarah (Carlton) Mattson, St. Michael, MN. Grandchildren: Maren Kristine Mattson and Nathan Bond, Minneapolis, MN. Berit Anna (Mattson) Rose and Brian Rose, New Hope, MN. Erik James Mattson and Nadia (Rahman) Mattson, Burnsville, MN. Claire Elisabeth Mattson, St. Michael, MN. Nathan James Mattson, St. Michael, MN. Great grandchildren: Collin George Mattson, Brynn Colleen Mattson and Cora Irene Rose.

He was preceded in death by: his loving wife Sharron B. Mattson, parents James E. and Alice (Thoma) Mattson, siblings: Robert I. Mattson, Marilyn Mattson and great granddaughter Birdie Rose

With deep appreciation and gratitude, the family wishes to thank First Lutheran Church for their many visits, prayers, communion & worship services, to the staff of Wellington Place and WinnMed Hospice for their kindness and the extraordinary care he received. We are truly grateful.