Jim was born March 9, 1937, in Litchfield, IL. The son of Joseph R. and Mamie Donovan Maher.
He graduated from Cathedral Boys High School and proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force. Jim was a mobilization augmentee assigned to the deputy chief of staff logistics with the Headquarters of Tactical Information Systems Division. He also obtained the rank of colonel during a ceremony at Langley Air Force base in Virginia. Jim earned his bachelor’s degree from St. Louis University and his master’s degree from the University of Kentucky. He also took courses toward his doctorate. Jim was employed as a program analyst in the Office of Budget, Audit and Control for the National Science Foundation in Washington, D.C. and was a member of St. Louis Church in Alexandria, VA. He enjoyed vegetable gardening and genealogy. Jim also collected Kentucky Derby glasses and cap badges of the British Army.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Joseph Richard Maher.
Jim is survived by his siblings, Joni Lee of San Diego, CA, Judy O’Shea of Springfield, Maxine (Dick) Maher-Albertelli of Lilburn, GA, and Michael Maher of Timonium, MD; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 12, at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 524 E. Lawrence Ave., Springfield, IL.
Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors provided by the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County and the Department of Defense.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight.
The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL.
