James B. McMahon

James Bernard McMahon passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 4, 2023. He was born December 30, 1932 in Lansing to Joseph and Agnes McMahon, both of whom emigrated from Ireland to the United States.

James resided in the Lansing area and was a graduate of Resurrection High School and Michigan State University with a B.A. Degree in Accounting. After college, Jim joined the Army and completed his basic training at Fort Ord in California. He was selected to be the tenor soloist for the US Army Band shortly after. He spent the remaining time of his service (1955-1957) stationed in the Washington D.C. area. He was honorably discharged from the Army in August of 1957 with the rank of Specialist.

Jim worked for the State of Michigan, Department of Transportation for 34 years. He ended his career as the Commission Auditor for the Office of Commission Audits. He held several other supervisory positions in the Office of Commission Audits and was a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors since 1970. He served as President of the State Association of Accountants, Auditors, and Business Administrators and was a member of the State of Michigan Association of Internal Auditors. He retired in 1996.

Singing was his passion. He held numerous lead roles in operas, musicals and choral groups, almost too many to count. He even sang on the Christmas episode of the Ed Sullivan show in 1955.

Other than singing, Jim enjoyed many activities; golfing, bowling, all things MSU and working out at the local YMCA, but above all, spending time with family and friends is what made him happiest. He was a kind, caring, and social person who was always the life of the party. He always had a smile on his face when people would visit, especially his grandchildren.

He was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church and a Fourth Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus.

Jim is survived by former spouse Colleen McMahon, children Julie McMahon, Michael (Anne) McMahon, James (Lisa) McMahon, Brian McMahon, and Joseph (Shannon) McMahon. Grandchildren Molly, Scotty (Brandy), Bradley, Haley, Erin, Megan, Aubree (Jeremy), Grace, Matthew, Jack, and Ellison. Great-grandchild Kinsley. Brother Joseph McMahon (Marilyn) and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his sisters Pat Hidlay, Eileen Christensen Fortino, Dee Thomas, and Mae Hostetler.

The family will receive friends at the Gorsline-Runciman Funeral home (1730 E. Grand River Ave, East Lansing) on Thursday August 10th from 5:00pm – 8:00pm, with the rosary at 7:00pm. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday August 11th at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church (955 Alton Rd., East Lansing) with Father Gordon officiating. The family will receive friends before the mass from 10:00am – 11:00am, with the mass beginning at 11:00am.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Haven House (1221 Whitehill Dr. East Lansing), one of Jim’s favorite charities.

For those who are unable to attend the funeral mass, please visit https://www.youtube.com/@OutreachMass/streams to view the livestream.

“May the roads rise with you and the wind be always at your back and may the lord hold you in the hollow of his hand.”