San Diego, CA
John Cole Mathison was born on July 28, 1946, in Pensacola, Florida, the son of Rev. Ovie Wilson Mathison and Rachel Cole Mathison. He passed away surrounded by his family’s love and care at home in San Diego on May 8, 2025, at age 78.
John dedicated his life to his three passions: science, the church and his family. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Alabama, Birmingham Medical Center and was a medical research scientist in the Department of Immunology at Scripps Research in La Jolla, California for 40 years, having been retired for the last 7 years. He was a faithful member of the San Diego First United Methodist Church where he held many leadership and service positions. He enjoyed mountain biking, walking and especially listening to classical pipe organ music, encouraged by hearing his mother playing the organ when he was a child. John will be remembered for his devotion to his wife and daughters, subtle humor, kind heart, and gentle spirit.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Belinda Ausley Mathison, and their two daughters, Emily Rebecca Mathison and Nancy Elizabeth Mathison, all of San Diego, California; Other family includes Mary Jean (Jeanie) Hahle and Pastor Dennis Hahle of Spokane, Washington and Carole Mathison of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and in-laws, Rev. Rurel Ausley and his wife, Rev. Lisa Ausley, Niceville, Florida. A private family memorial service is planned. Memorials may be made to the San Diego First United Methodist Church or the American Brain Tumor Association.
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