James McMahan

James Edgar McMahan peacefully returned home to the loving arms of his Father in Heaven on Nov. 24, 2015. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 1150 North 8th East St. in Mountain Home.

Burial with military honors will follow at 3 p.m. at the Idaho State Veteran's Cemetery in Boise. Arrangements are under the direction of Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel.

Jim or "Mac" was born in Fallon, Nev., on Feb. 22, 1922, to Frank and Cora McMahan. Jim grew up in Rowland, Nev., where his father worked on a ranch for John Scott.

The family moved from ranch to ranch until Frank had a stroke in 1936. The family moved to Elk Grove, Calif., where Frank was to manage a grain farm. Jim was able to complete his sophomore year at Elk Grove High School.

A year later, Frank became too ill to work, so the family moved to Grass Valley, Calif. Jim had to help provide for the family, while finishing high school.

On Oct. 1, 1942, Jim joined the Army Signal Corps. He was trained in Basic Electronics. The Signal Corps were sent to the Philippines then to Japan on a secret mission during World War II. He served under General MacArthur.

After the war, he went to work with his brother in-law in Nevada City, Calif. On June 8, 1950, he married Barbara Jean Handy in Grass Valley, Calif. From this union came Marsha in 1951 and Sarah in 1953. Jim moved his young family to Foresthill, Calif., where he had a TV, appliance and chainsaw shop.

In 1965, Jim went to work for the Placer County Water Agency as an electronic engineer. He continued to maintain his TV repair shop. He was a jack of many trades. He raised pheasants and maintained Christmas tree farm.

He served as a Chairman of Placer County Planning Commission, the Placer County Fish and Game Commission. In 1960, Governor Reagan appointed Jim to the Gold County Fair District. He was a member of the Foresthill School Board, and the American Legion.

Jim was an avid hunter and fisherman. He shared his passion with his girls, nephews, nieces, and grandchildren. Jim was a 4-H beef leader and taught his girls to love and care for their beef animals.

Jim leaves behind his wife, Barbara of 65 years; daughters Marsha (Gary) Stowell and Sarah (Bruce) Christensen; brother Leo (Nina) McMahan; sister Dorothy Smith; and his beloved dog, Charlie; 12 grandchildren, 23 (one on the way) great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Allen.

He was a wonderful husband, father and friend. He will be missed by all who knew him. Memorial contributions can be made to the Children's Fund at the Idaho Education Association, P.O. Box 2638, Boise, ID 83701.