WWPA’s Mathews Leaves A Legacy

James R. Mathews, known by most as Jim, was a WWPA Lumber Inspector and Master Lumberman, but is most remembered by his colleagues and those in the industry as a great friend and mentor. He died at the age of 74.

Mathews spent 42 years working in the lumber industry. He began his career with Weyerhaeuser Co., Klamath Falls, Oregon in 1970. He worked in most of the planer mill positions until moving into the lumber grading department as a student grader in 1972. Jim was first certified in 1974 in Commons and then subsequently earned certificates in all NGR Grades, Shop and Selects. He remained within the Grading Department for the next 17 years as a Certified Lumber Grader, Quality Control Supervisor or Grading Department Shift Supervisor.

Mathews joined the WWPA as a Lumber Inspector in 1987 overseeing the California Southern Central Valley. In 1989 He was moved to the WWPA Portland office where he served in several capacities; Director, Japanese Lumber Inspection; Assistant Director, Coast/California; Assistant Director; all within the Quality Services Division.

In 2012 he was awarded the prestigious Master Lumberman award. When asked how he got started in the business as a lumber grader, Mathews replied with his typical humor: “That first winter was a learning curve. Although I had lived in Klamath Falls my entire life, I really wasn’t prepared enough for the cold weather. I did look around (the mills) and see the only jobs that had a heater was the lumber graders. So, I decided I was going to be a lumber grader so I could have a heater also. The highlight of my career was in the mid 1980’s when the opportunity came along to join the WWPA as a lumber inspector. I strived for that position for a number of years.”

After 25 years with WWPA, Mathews retired in the spring of 2012 as the Quality Assurance Administrative Manager. He has left an impressive legacy on WWPA and the industry as a whole. His in-depth knowledge of U.S. and international lumber standards, his work ethic and commitment to excellence, along with his great sense of humor, will be greatly missed.