John William Mathis

John passed away on May 1st in his home after a 19-month battle with cancer. Despite his long, painful battle, John accepted his diagnosis with dignity and strength. John William Mathis was born on March 9th, 1946, in Elkhart, Iowa, to John Taylor and Ruth (Williamson) Mathis. John graduated from Bondurant High School from the Class of 1964. John was active in sports throughout high school. He played as a quarterback in football, ran track, and wrestled. After high school, John attended Drake University, earning a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in School Counseling.

John’s career was rich and rewarding to all the lives he touched throughout his career with Des Moines Public Schools. John devoted his work to students and staff in every building, classroom, and hallway he walked through. John served as Vice Principal at Willard Elementary; he founded the Elementary guidance program for Des Moines Public School. John was a school counselor at Harding, Meredith, and Merrill Middle Schools. John ended his career working with gifted and talented middle school students at Central Campus. Students who completed the requirements of the middle and high school curriculum were given the opportunity for a scholarship from the University of Iowa. John was an adjunct professor at Drake University. His instruction provided educators from Des Moines and surrounding districts with the tools needed to be a successful teacher, an effective disciplinarian in the classroom, and a skilled communicator to parents and staff. John served in the Army National Guard for 10 years. He finished his Guard career as Sergeant First Class.

John loved hunting and fishing with his boys, Brian and Brad, coaching them in Little League and following their high school sports. John was happiest when he could spend time fishing, mushroom hunting, pheasant and turkey hunting, and taking in nature, no matter the season. John took great pride in his yard, tomato plants, and flower gardens.

John and Mary were Sacred Heart Catholic Church members in West Des Moines. John was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the men’s choir, Eucharistic Ministry, and a Stephen Ministry leader. Upon joining the church in 2001, John was active in Christ Renews His Parish and assisted with Religious Initiation for incoming Catholics.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Taylor and Ruth Mathis; infant sister Joan; brother Robert; father and mother-in-law, John Michael and Wahneta Mae Brennan, sister-in-law Therese Mahoney; brothers-in-law Jack (Therese) Mahoney, Joseph (Ruth) Sullivan, and Delmar (Alice) Jensen.

John is survived by his wife, Mary, of 23 years, son Brian David Mathis, grandchildren Taylor Ann, Jacob David, and Jackson Lee, son Brad Taylor (Kim) Mathis, step-son Addison John Brennan Drake, brother-in-law John (Carol) Brennan, sisters-in-law Myrna (Dutch) Heddinger, Ruth Sullivan, Alice Jensen, Wahneta (Bill) Haywood, his first wife Carol Fenimore Mathis, 33 nieces and nephews, and several cousins.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, May 7th from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. The funeral will be Thursday, May 8th at 10:30 a.m. Both will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in West Des Moines, Iowa.

John and Mary are eternally grateful to our family, church community, neighbors, and friends. Throughout John’s cancer journey, we have been blessed with many cards, letters, hugs, and prayers.

Mary and the family want to thank Dr. Behrens’ team at Mission Cancer and Unity Point Hospice for the care and support that John received in his final months.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church in West Des Moines or a charity of your choice.