James McMahon

James Edward McMahon passed away on Sunday, September 30, 2012. He was born June 5, 1917 in McCabe, Montana to Frank and Edith McMahon. He attended high school in Culbertson, MT and graduated from the University of Montana in 1938. Mr. McMahon served in the U.S. Navy during World War II aboard the U.S.S. Catoctin and attained the rank of Lieutenant. After leaving active duty in 1946, he continued as a reserve officer until 1954. Prior to his active duty military service he began his civilian career in 1939 working for the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Montana. In 1941 he transferred to the USDA in Washington, D.C. After a distinguished career of over 40 years with USDA, Mr. McMahon retired in 1980 as Assistant Administrator in the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service. In 1950 he married Mary Burnham. They lived for seven years in Washington, D.C. before moving to Hyattsville, MD. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 42 years, Mary Burnham McMahon and his sons, Barry and Terry J. McMahon. He is survived by two sons, Gary S. McMahon of Hyattsville, MD and Brian J. McMahon (Diane) of Pasadena, MD, two daughters, Kathryn M. Pearson (Barry) of Virginia Beach, VA and Jean P. Crumrine (John) of Rockville, MD, five grandchildren, Justin Pearson (Rachell), Jefferson Pearson, Lucy McMahon, Andrew Crumrine, Annemarie Crumrine and one great-grandchild, Gianna Pearson. Friends and relatives are invited to call at Gasch's Funeral Home, P.A., 4739 Baltimore Ave., Hyattsville, MD on Thursday, October 4, 2012 from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 5 at 10 am at St. Jerome's Catholic Church, 5205 43rd Ave., Hyattsville, MD. Interment Mt. Olivet Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions in his name to Friends of the National Journalism Library, 529 14th Street, Washington, D.C. 20045.

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