James D. Mattan

James David Mattan, 56, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 20, 2025, after a long fight against multiple illnesses.

James was born February 14, 1969, in Clinton, Iowa to August C. Mattan, Jr. and Judith K. (Brown) Mattan.

From a young age, James developed a deep connection to the outdoors surrounding his childhood home on the Meredosia Slough near Albany, IL. This bond was nurtured by his dad, Augie, who taught James how to fish and hunt for asparagus and their prized morel mushrooms. James spent countless hours fishing in the Meredosia and the nearby Mississippi River, catching several trophy fish in the area. James also had a passion for cooking and was known for making the best “Beer Butt Chicken,” a favorite he loved to prepare for friends and family. James’s love of the outdoors extended to gardening as well, a passion he inherited from his Grandma Mattan.

James graduated from George Washington Senior High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 1989. He received an Associate of Applied Science in Aviation Maintenance Technology in 2004 from Tarrant County Community College in Fort Worth, Texas. James worked at Five Seasons Tire, Twin County Dairy, Quality Chef Foods and Amana Appliance in the Cedar Rapids area before working several aviation technician contracts in Texas and North Carolina. After returning to Cedar Rapids, he worked as a convenience store clerk for several years.

Later in life, James always looked forward to his annual mushroom hunting and fishing trip in Illinois with his brother, Tony, hunting and fishing the same grounds and waters they had with their father since they were children.

He is survived by his siblings, Becky Mattan Pratt (Jim Pratt), Tony Mattan, and Claire Mattan (Gary Teague); three nieces and nephews; his goddaughter, Natalie Likanchuk; and his former spouse, Kim.

James was preceded in death by his parents and his longtime companion, Karen Borseth.

Cremation will occur and there will be a Celebration of Life held in Clinton, Iowa on September 13, 2025 from 11:30am to 2:30 pm at 3704 North 3rd Street.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to Suncrest Hospice in Des Moines, IA in loving memory of James.

Condolences may be expressed through the 'Messages' tab above.

Print