James F. McMahon Sr., 88

 

James McMahon Sr.

James McMahon Sr.

FRYEBURG — James Francis McMahon Sr., 88, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by loved ones on Sunday, July 10, 2016 after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s.

Jim, as he was known to family and friends, was born July 1, 1928 in Peabody Mass. to Dorothy Pierce McMahon and James Francis McMahon. 
Jim grew up in Peabody and lived most of his adult life in Danvers, Mass. In 1970, Jim and his family moved to Lee, N.H., where he set up shop and ran McMahon’s Variety for 12 years before his daughter’s family took it over and it became Mick and Herbs. 
Jim was a proud veteran, who served in the Navy during World War II and then went on to become a Marine, who fought valiantly in the Korean War as a member of the 2nd Marine Division. Jim was honored to be referred to as one of “The Chosin Few” for his bravery and fortitude during the brutal 17-day battle of the Chosin Reservoir in the winter of 1950.

Jim was a championship 10-pin bowler. He competed in many national championships and bowled into his late 70s. His crowning achievement was bowling 13 strikes in a row. He loved driving and traveling, which he did well into his 80s.

Jim was a family many who loved children and always had a smile on his face. He could often be heard telling stories, jokes or even an anecdote while grinning in his mischievous way, always with that Irish twinkle in his eye. 
Jim loved classic Irish music and Native American drumming. He would often be seen at the local powwows tapping his feet along to the beat of the drums.

Jim spent the last 12 years calling Fryeburg his home. He could be found most days with his wife, Atheline, at his favorite spots in Dunkin’ Donuts or Walmart, proudly sporting his United States Marines jacket and one of his veteran’s baseball caps. Jim was a lifelong Red Sox fan and would rarely miss a game on television.

Jim was predeceased by his first wife of 35 years, Barbara Sheehan McMahon; his second, wife Mildred “Mickey” Bizzocchi; his daughter, Cynthia Osborne; brothers, Robert “Bob” McMahon, Ronald “Gus” McMahon, Donald “Donnie” McMahon and John McMahon; and sister, Lorraine “Sis” McMahon.

Jim leaves behind his loving wife of 10 years, Atheline Ambrose McMahon; his daughter, Margaret “Mickey” Rollins; son, James F. McMahon Jr.; brothers, Timothy McMahon and Daniel McMahon; sister, Connie Lebrun; 13 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews

Jim was loved by many and though he will be deeply missed, he will forever be in our hearts.

Visitation was held Friday, July 15, 2016 at the Wood Funeral Home, 9 Warren Street, Fryeburg. Funeral services were held at the funeral home on Saturday morning, July 16, 2016. Interment with military honors followed at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Fryeburg. After, a service reception was held at the Masonic Lodge, 50 Portland Street, Fryeburg.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Jim’s honor to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.

Words of condolence and tribute may be shared with Jim’s family at www.woodfuneralhome.org