Susan Lee Mattson-James, age 65, of Bear, Delaware, passed away on November 15, 2025. Born in West Grove, Pennsylvania, to the late John and the late Rhoda Mattson, she was a devoted wife and mother who loved crafting and flamingoes.
She grew up in Landenberg and attended Avon Grove High School. After graduating, Sue worked for several companies, including at DEFCO, Amazon, and as an Overnight Inventory Control Specialist for Toys “R” Us and Dollar General. Sue’s greatest joy came from spending time with her family. Some of her fondest memories were of family vacations spent at Chincoteague Island and at Cherrystone Campground in Maryland. Sue was an exceptional cook and baker who passed on her love of baking to her son, Jarett. Her homemade bread, cookies, and pies were legendary with her family, friends, and in her neighborhood.
She is survived by her husband, William “Spencer” James; their son, Jarett D. James and his partner, Kyle A. Rutherford; her brother, William J. Mattson; her in-laws and nieces and nephews; as well as a vast network of friends who became family. She was predeceased in death by her father, Walter J. Mattson; mother, Rhoda M. Gift Mattson; brothers, Walter G. Mattson and Charles D. Mattson; and her beloved daughter, Jenna Rose James.
A celebration of Sue’s life will be held on Saturday, Nov. 29, at 1 p.m. at Faith Baptist Church, 4210 Limestone Rd, Wilmington, DE 19808. Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the American Cancer Society. www.cancer.org
Arrangements are by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., Kennett Square (484-734-8100). To view her online tribute or share a memory with her family, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.
About Rich Schwartzman
Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.
