Matthew James Eardly, known affectionately to family and friends as Jim, passed away on April 4, 2026, in Port Orange, Florida, following a short illness. He was 79 years old.

Born on September 13, 1946, in Dayton, Ohio, Jim was the son of the late William M. Eardly and Florence L. Eardly. He grew up in a large, close-knit family and attended Our Lady of Mercy Grade School, graduating with the Class of 1961. He went on to Chaminade High School, where he was a member of the Class of 1965. Following his education, Jim answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the Air Force Reserves, where he served honorably from 1966 to 1973. He began working at Dayton Nut Specialties, while in high school, until he started his own business representing various food companies and confectioners in the late 1980’s. After relocating to Cleveland, Ohio in 2004 became a realtor working for Century 21 Best Services until 2014 when he retired

On May 9, 1970, Jim married the love of his life, Peggy Hampel Eardly. Together they built a life defined by devotion, laughter, and enduring partnership. Those who knew Jim best will remember his wonderful sense of humor and his great smile, qualities that could brighten any room and make people smile. He had a gift for making people feel welcome and for finding joy in life's everyday moments.

Jim was a man of simple and genuine passions. He loved sailing on Lake Erie, where the open water offered both adventure and peace. He also took great pride in growing vegetables in his garden, nurturing each season's harvest with patience and care. These pursuits reflected the kind of man Jim was: steady, grounded, and quietly content in the pleasures of a life well lived.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Peggy Hampel Eardly of Daytona Beach, Florida. He is also survived by his sisters, Patricia Takahara and her husband Ed, Teresa Montagnini; his brothers, Timothy Raymond Eardly and his wife Donna, and Bertrand Dan Eardly and his wife Jan; and their families. He is further survived by his sisters-in-law Elizabeth Eardly, Nancy Eardly, and Katherine Eardly, as well as his brothers-in-law Jack Poe and Ray Zemenek, along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members who loved him dearly.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his brothers, William Donald Eardly and his wife Stephanie, John Thomas Eardly, Joseph Michael Eardly, and Mark Gerald Eardly; his sisters, Melissa Poe, Rita Zemenek, Florence Flanagan and her husband Patrick: and brother-in-law Marco Montagnini. He is survived by the nieces, nephews, and extended family members of William and Stephanie Eardly and Patrick and Florence Flanagan

Jim lived his life with a quiet faith. May he now rest in the peace and grace of God's eternal care.

As often reflected, "In the end, the only thing left is our memories." He has left many wonderful memories indeed, and those who were fortunate enough to share in his life will carry them always.

Celebration of life details will be announced by the family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that those wishing to honor Jim's memory do so through acts of kindness and time spent with loved ones, the things he valued most.