[1] In 1944, Governor John W. Bricker appointed Matthias presiding judge of the Columbus Municipal Court, and he was elected to six-year terms in 1945 and 1951.

[1] Matthias's father died in 1953, and Governor Frank Lausche appointed Democratic judge John H. Lamneck to the seat.

John M. Matthias ran for the remaining two years of his father's term in 1954, winning the Republican primary without party support, and defeating Lamneck in 86 of 88 Ohio counties.

[1] At the beginning of 1970, Matthias could not perform his duties due to failing health, and Robert E. Leach sat on assignment for him.

Matthias resigned September 25, 1970, and Governor Jim Rhodes named Leach to replace him.