James Thomas Mathis

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated for James Thomas Mathis at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 7, 2025, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, with the Reverend Jose Pallipurath officiating. Visitation will occur at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Inurnment will follow at Memory Lawn Cemetery in Natchitoches.

Tommy Mathis was born on February 16, 1942, to Thomas and Julie Mathis in Pleasant Hill, Louisiana. He passed away peacefully at home in Natchitoches, on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at the age of 83.

Raised in Hanna, Louisiana, Tommy graduated from Coushatta High School in 1960, where he earned All-District and All-State honors in both football and basketball. He continued his basketball career at Northwestern State University, while also competing on the track team during his freshman and sophomore years. A four-year basketball letterman from 1960-1964, Tommy was the leading scorer for the Demons during his junior and senior seasons, after which he was recognized with All-Gulf States Conference selections. He completed his distinguished career with 996 points scored, and in 1994, was inducted into the Graduate “N” Club Hall of Fame, the highest honor Northwestern State University bestows upon its former athletes. During the 2012-2013 N. S. U. Men’s Basketball centennial celebration season, Tommy was named to the Top 100 Demons of the Century roster.

After graduating from Northwestern State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1965, Tommy began his coaching career at Flora High School, where he would eventually receive Coach of the Year honors. He left coaching to pursue a career in farming and agriculture, but would ultimately complete twenty-nine years of employment in oil and gas production for the Kerr-McGee Corporation. Tommy retired from Kerr-McGee in 1999, and eventually returned to his true passion, coaching basketball, at St. Mary’s High School. He thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to develop the competitiveness and athletic skill of his players, and he undoubtedly cherished the friendships he made with both academic and athletic faculty and staff. He simply loved nothing more than having a snack, dessert, or cup of coffee, usually several times daily, while visiting with his family or friends.

Tommy is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Griffin and Julie Coates Mathis; his stepfather, Leonard Montagne; and his youngest daughter, Kristen Mathis Stephens.

Tommy is survived by his wife of forty-three years, Ellen Hicks Mathis; his son, James Landon Mathis and wife, Leny; his daughter, Kimberly Anne Mathis; his son, Christopher Scott Godfrey and wife, Aline; his son, Michael Patrick Godfrey; his grandson, Landon Cody Mathis, and wife, Miranda; his granddaughter, Hanna Mathis Richard and husband, Jacob; his granddaughter, Molly Elizabeth Anderson; his grandson, Hale Gabriel Castro; his grandson, Garrett Lambre Mathis; his grandson, Andrew Scott Godfrey; his granddaughter, Gabrielle Virginia Godfrey; his granddaughter, Kaylyn Grace Stephens; his grandson, Konner Graham Stephens; his great grandson, Killian Lee Mathis; his great granddaughter, Everleigh Jane Richard; his great granddaughter, Jona Rose Richard; his sister, Sue Mathis Shaw; and his sister, Janice Mathis Glover.

The family is sincerely grateful to all family and friends for their continued prayers and support. Special recognition would like to be given to Dr. John Hogg and his staff, and Hospice of Natchitoches, for their exceptional medical care. To Father Jose Pallipurath, the family graciously acknowledges your spiritual guidance and strength, your devotion, and most of all through Tommy’s life, your friendship.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Holy Cross Catholic Church at Northwestern State University, at 129 2nd Street in Natchitoches, or online at nsucatholic.org.