James “J.R.” McMahan

James R. McMahan, “J.R.”, 94, of Hamilton, passed away Sunday morning, January 19th, 2025, at Carthage Memorial Hospital.

He was born November 8th, 1930, in Keokuk, the eldest son of John B. and Frances G. Humphry McMahan.

Jim married Martha A. Jackson on June 4th, 1950, at Bethel Presbyterian Church in Hamilton. They enjoyed a lifelong love relationship and a 67-year marriage.

He is survived by four daughters and a son and their families. Barbara (Carl) Pennella of North Haledon, N.J., and their children and grandchildren, Carlo (Kelly) Pennella, children-Julianna, Elisabeth, Jeremiah, Josiah, Emily and Evelyn, Angela Pennella, and Kristina (Ronnie) Meyers and their children-Ainsley, Jaimie and Ronnie; Nancy (Terry) Miller of Morton, Ill and their children and grandchildren, B.J. (Amy) Miller, children-Lincoln and Liam, Wendy (Brad) Mitchell, children- Sam, Emma, and Jack, Anthony (Stephanie) Miller and child- Heshi; Jan (John) Filkins of Keokuk, and their children and grandchildren, Jeremy (Jessica) Kunde and their children-Alexis (Nick) Schneider, Grayden and Beckham, Doug Filkins and his children-Soul, Livia and Vivian, Craig (Sara) Kunde – children Abigail and Lilly; and Josalyn Filkins; Sara (Rick) Sargent of Hamilton and their children and grandchildren, Derk Heagy, Kaley Kite and children-Kyler, Korbin and Stella, Kortney (Matt) Korte and children- Keagan and Jaxton, Casey Sargent and Christopher Sargent and their families; Thomas (Cecilia) McMahan of Ocean City, MD. and their daughter Giovanna; a brother John McMahan of Hamilton and a sister-in-law Shirley Giebrich of Richmond Hills, Ga; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents and sister Mary Jo Taylor.

Jim graduated from Hamilton High School where he was captain of both his football and basketball teams. He attended the School of Horology at Bradley University in Peoria and then opened a Jewelry store in downtown Hamilton. His passion to build and innovative spirit led to the start of McMahan construction (as well as other related businesses), with over 500 new homes built in the Tri-State area over 30 years. After moving to Punta Gorda, Florida, in the early 80’s, the couple became very active in Habitat for Humanity. J.R. served as construction manager for over 50 home builds and they both were instrumental in the ReSale Shop. One of his favorite parts was working with all of the college students who came to help.

Soft-spoken and always with a positive attitude, he had many friends over the years in all walks of life that were very important to him. Creative and always “thinking” of a way to make his community and home better, he was active in Kiwanis, instrumental in the creation and building of Deer run golf course and so much more. From jig-saw puzzles, FSU Football, boating or building his next project, he lived a life of legacy and his presence and love will be dearly missed.

A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at Printy Funeral Home in Hamilton, with burial to follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Hamilton. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 9 to 11 am at Printy Funeral Home directly before the service.

Memorials may be made to Habitat for Humanity or Hamilton Titan Boosters.