Obituary for James “Jim” McMahon

Ponca City Now - February 19, 2019 3:14 pm

James Allison McMahon

November 8, 1944 – February 18, 2019

James (Jim) Allison McMahon passed away Monday, February 18, 2019 at his home in Edmond, Oklahoma, surrounded by his family. He was born November 8, 1944, to James Joseph and Alice Illean (Raney) McMahon in Las Vegas, New Mexico.

Jim married the love of his life, Jan R. Morris on November 7, 1975 in Rose Hill, Kansas. They had four kids Stacey Lynn, Stephen Craig, Jaime Dawn, and James Joseph. Jim and Jan have ten grandchildren; Kylee Danielle, Kaela Dawn, Camryn Rose, Jaime Allison, Jaselynn Nicole, James Allison Craig (Jac), Charleigh Nicole, Caden James, Maddex Cruz, and Hayes Asher.

After graduating from Cushing High school in 1962, Jim attended Oklahoma State University on a baseball scholarship. He graduated with a degree in aeronautical technology.

Jim took pride in his early career as an Aircraft and Power Plant Mechanic, Inspection Authorization for the Federal Aviation Administration, and pilot. He and his dad owned and operated the fixed base operation at Blackwell/Tonkawa Municipal Airport and later Pioneer Aviation in Ponca City, OK. After retiring from aviation, Jim chose another career path as a research technician at Conoco where he retired after 20 years. He received a patent for converting alkanes to alkenes that he proudly displays today.

Jim’s greatest passion was supporting his children and grandchildren both on and off the field. Most notably for coaching youth baseball from T-Ball to Triple A. He impacted the lives of many young athletes over a 25 year period in Blackwell, Oklahoma. He committed his free time traveling around the state and beyond coaching baseball. His love for baseball came second only to his family.

Jim is survived by his wife, Jan McMahon; one daughter, Stacey and Jason Ridenour of Edmond, Oklahoma; his two sons; Craig and Michele McMahon of Las Vegas, Nevada, and J.J. and Whitney McMahon of Edmond, Oklahoma; and his precious furbaby Chloe.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Joseph and Alice Illean McMahon, his daughter, Jaime Dawn, and Jon Sweley, who he considered to be a son.

A memorial services is scheduled for 1:00 p.m., Monday, February 25th in the Roberts and Son Funeral Home Chapel with Lanny Jobe of the Blackwell Church of Christ officiating.

A memorial has been established in his honor with Blackwell Youth Baseball Association in c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 W. Padon, Blackwell, Oklahoma 74631.