Matejka, James E.

A memorial funeral mass for James E. Matejka, 85, of North Bend, Ore., will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 10, at St. Monica Catholic Church, 357 S. Sixth St., Coos Bay, with Father Robert Wolf officiating. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall. Cremation Rites will be held at Ocean View Memory Gardens Crematory, Coos Bay, with inurnment in Cedar RapidsA.

James was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Jan. 17, 1927, to Frank and Frances (Stransky) Matejka. He died peacefully in North Bend, Ore., on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012, with family at his side. He graduated from Roosevelt High School, Cedar Rapids, in January 1945 and immediately joined the United States Marine Corps. He attended the University of Iowa and was an accounting manager for the Dows family. He was an accomplished musician and played professionally for 35 years. He played trombone, arranged music and led a dance band for many years in Iowa. Jim was above all a family man, a devoted son, husband, father and grandfather. He was married to his wife, Winnie, for 62 years. Jim lived a full life and will be missed.

Jim is survived by his wife, Winnie (O'Connell); daughter, Mary Anne; son, Joesph and his wife, Joyce; granddaughters, Michelle Matejka and Julia Matejka McMorran and her spouse, Dr. Ben McMorran; and great-grandsons, Owen and Miles McMorran.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the charity of one's choice.

Friends and family are encouraged to send condolences and sign the online guest book at .

Arrangements are under the direction of Coos Bay Chapel. (541) 267-3131.

Published in The Gazette Nov. 8, 2012.