James "Jim" M. Mahon's Obituary
James (Jim) Monroe Mahon, 91, of Weslaco, Texas and Tower Hill, Illinois, passed on peacefully on April 3rd, 2026. Jim was born to George and Clida (Stein) Mahon on July 11, 1934, in Decatur, Illinois. There he attended Brush College #1 Grade School and graduated in 1953 from Lakeview High School. In 1958, Jim was awarded the Bachelor of Science in Marketing degree from the University of Illinois, where he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and a captain in the Air Force ROTC.
Jim began his career at JC Penney in California, where he met a tourist, Joan Alene Ferrier, who became the love of his life. They wed on July 13, 1963 in East Providence, Rhode Island and resided in Decatur. Jim partnered with his father to run Macon Farm Supply, offering sales and service of Allis Chalmers agricultural machinery.
Jim enjoyed an active life with Joan that included teaching friends how to waterski on Lake Decatur. Houston, Texas became their home base for many travel adventures in retirement, when Jim also explored an interest in financial planning. Summers brought a return to Illinois, where Jim managed their farm and reconnected with the people and places of his childhood. Migration to the warmer climates of Alamo and Weslaco, Texas added interests in golf and exercising and playing bridge in the John Knox Village community. Most of all, Jim was content escorting Joan wherever she desired to go.
Jim is survived by his wife, Joan Mahon, and sister, Shirley Moore of Decatur, Illinois. He is also lovingly remembered by nieces Karen Tower (Jon) of Melbourne, Florida, and Janice Benzel (Steve) of Austin, Texas and both of their families. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law Daniel Moore, Jr.
Little did Jim realize how apropos was the prefix of “Just Right” that he teasingly used with his family when referring to himself. His plain-speaking, practical approach, incredible patience and sensitivity made him an excellent advisor to those with problems to solve. Jim had a gift of helping people see how their situations could turn out “just right.”
Donations in memory of Jim may be sent to John Knox Village at 1300 S Border Avenue, Weslaco, TX 78596.
A private family remembrance will be held later in Illinois.
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