James “Jim” L. McMahan, 82, devoted husband of 61 years to Janna Carpenter McMahan, passed away on Monday, July 19, 2021. Born in Greenville, he was the son of the late Phillip and Bertha Lockee McMahan. He was graduate of Parker High School, Class of 1957 and a graduate of Newberry College where earned aContinue Reading
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DONALD Newman
left a message on July 27, 2021:
In memory of James “Jim” L McMahan, DONALD Newman lit a candle
Jimmy Pittman
left a message on July 26, 2021:
I didn’t know Jim with direct contact during my high school days, I knew him by the band interaction with what became my In Laws Dottie and Dennis King and my wife Bonnie (Ulmer). But from an indirect relationship for me I learned that he was the best at what he did. Bonnie tells stories about the hard hard work. But she also tells stories about National recognition, trips to Mardi Gras etc. Jim was a master. Nothing but your best was acceptable. I got to know Jim in later years with the times we saw each other with Berea events and through Bonnie, and I always told him how I admired his drive, his dedication to the profession, and his successes. He always downplayed them, but “He Was the Man”. The most astounding beautiful Trumpet duet I have ever heard or will ever hear was Jim and Tommy playing a duet at the 1965 (I think) Miss Berea High Pageant. The best of the best. Hopefully Jim and Tommy are celebrating in heaven today. ( My only concern is whether or not Tommy made it up there) LOL. RIP. My much admired friend Jim McMahan. Jimmy Pittman
Stella Looper Schaefer
left a message on July 26, 2021:
I have so many happy memories of my wonderful time as part of The Green Machine! I was one of his first students at Berea Elementary School, loved being in the band! Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Cheri August Bell
left a message on July 25, 2021:
Rest in Peace to an amazing man.
Dr. Charles Wm. Brown
left a message on July 25, 2021:
Three weeks prior to Jim's death, my son Michael and I visited Jim and Janna in their den on a Sunday evening. I had not seen him for 42 years. He reflected on his long tenure at the Berea High School and his many accomplishments and how gratifying they had been for him. I referenced how I made the Sans Souci Baptist Church office (where I served as pastor) a call center to raise money from band parents to present Jim a monetary gift following the AAA State Marching Band Competition trophy in 1979. My son served as drummajor and understandably we were proud of the Mean Green Machine's achievement. To wife Janna and his two daughters, I offer my sincere prayers for their well-being during this time of great sorrow. Sincerely, Dr. Charles W. Brown, Maryville, TN.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Jama Freeman
left a message on July 24, 2021:
My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. May God give you the peace that you seek.
Phillip McMahan
left a message on July 24, 2021:
Janna I want to let you know I was so blessed to be able to have shared that ice cream cone with Jim and you while I was there in 2019 I send you hugs ? and love from afar I hope you are at peace and know that he was loved by this nephew love you and I hope to see you and the girls sometime soon
Rodger and Janet Bush
left a message on July 24, 2021:
I am one of Jim's first cousins. As a child I always viewed Jim and Jana as the perfect couple, they were always together, always happy and having fun, always making you feel welcome. I was only 8 to 10 years old then but now at age 70 I can remember it as if it was yesterday. It is strange- when we heard of Jim's passing my wife had the same thoughts. Even though you never knew it, you two had a lasting impact on my life. It's very seldom we get to witness something like you two!!
Jane Reid
left a message on July 24, 2021:
Mr. M is an icon and beloved by me and all of us in the Green Machine! There will never be another person to impact so many. love to the family, comfort and peace.
Randall Cooper
left a message on July 23, 2021:
Mr. McMahan taught me much more than how to play a trumpet, mark time, glide step 8 to 5 and dress right. He taught me the value of aiming high and working hard to achieve my goals. We talked about this life lesson many times through the years as we reminisced about our time together during my days in The Green Machine from 1976-1981. I thanked Mr. McMahan for pushing me to be better back then, because it helped shape me into the man I am today. While I will miss those talks, I will hold onto the memories of band days and hunting trips with Mr. McMahan forever. I am keeping the entire McMahan family in my prayers during this time.
Diane Rodgers Masters
left a message on July 22, 2021:
He was a wonderful man to admire and respect.
God bless you and your family.
Julia Palmer
left a message on July 22, 2021:
Larry and I have great memoies of shagging, laughing, beach trips for many years of friendship with Jim and Jana. Thoughts and prayers for all the family.
Danny Evans
left a message on July 22, 2021:
Jim was one of a few teachers I chose to remember. He along with my family made me into the man I am today I will keep the family in my thoughts and prayers.
Helen McMahan Anderson
left a message on July 21, 2021:
Jim was my closet sibling and I adored him. There were 5 years difference in our ages, which is considerable when you don’t attend high school together. Still, we shared many of the same circle of friends, especially as we grew older, and had many pleasurable outings with them over the years. Interestingly, jim and I both developed a love for golf a few years separate from each other and spent numerous, beautiful and enjoyable hours on various golf courses with my husband Bobby.
Camille Cunningham Harvey
left a message on July 21, 2021:
I will always remember Mr.McMahan. We worked hard, and I learned a lot. I listened to Dvorak's Symphony No.9 from the New World in his memory. His talent and influence was great. My deepest sympathy to Janna, Chrys, Nikki, and all the family. He will be greatly missed and always remembered.
Joel Christopher
left a message on July 21, 2021:
To all the family I express my sympathy and love to each of you. May God be with you all and give you comfort at this time. Jim was a good friend to me and my brothers and my family.❤️???????❤️
Bob Talley
left a message on July 21, 2021:
In 1962, Jim began his teaching career at Berea HS and he only had seven students with any prior music training. I was in that group and for the next five years, he was my teacher. From those seven novices, by my senior year, the band had grown to six majorettes and 72 musicians and we frequently won top prizes in major competitions. I think that was a pretty remarkable achievement.
George Aufmuth
left a message on July 21, 2021:
I always enjoyed my conversations with Jim about woodworking projects. He enjoyed discussing various items he had made and the tools used. He loved his family and it showed.
Patricia and Chris Simons
left a message on July 21, 2021:
Jim will be missed by all of us. Loved him and his sweet family. ❤
Patricia and Chris Simons
left a message on July 21, 2021:
So sorry for your loss. Jim was a wonderful man and I loved him and his family. He was a great cousin and was always kind to me.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Sharron Voyles
left a message on July 21, 2021:
My deepest condolences to Jim’s family and friends. I remember him well when my husband Lloyd was principal at BHS. He was a very devoted instructor and faculty member.
Sharron Voyles
Michael and Melanie Brown
left a message on July 21, 2021:
Our prayers go out for the Family.
Barb Williams
left a message on July 21, 2021:
I am so sorry for your loss. I'm Kegyn's grandmother and I met Bryson's grandfather at the kids' wedding reception. We were all at the grandparents table. He really enjoyed people and made them feel at ease. I know he meant everything to Bryson and will be greatly missed.
Bill Ware
left a message on July 21, 2021:
All my prayers to Jim's family, a very good friend will be missed by many, god's speed my friend.
Tracy Golightly-Garcia
left a message on July 21, 2021:
Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Dindi Mcgarity Cooper
left a message on July 20, 2021:
In memory of James "Jim" L McMahan, Dindi Mcgarity Cooper lit a candle
Randy Vaughn
left a message on July 20, 2021:
Jim McMahan is largely responsible for the person I am today. He taught me discipline and hard work are the keys to success. He taught me that there are no shortcuts in achieving goals. He didn’t demand respect, he earned respect each and every day. Godspeed my friend.
Carolyn Blankenship
left a message on July 20, 2021:
Clarence and I were deeply saddened by the news of Jim’s death. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May God bless and comfort you today and in the days to come.
Our love and prayers.
Becky Bowers Mooneyhan
left a message on July 20, 2021:
Mr. McMahan taught me band in 9th grade at Camden High School. He was a wonderful teacher... always had a corny joke for us and always required us to perform to the best of our abilities. I reconnected with him on Facebook over 40 yrs after he taught me. He will always be remembered and missed ❤
Shirley Cordell
left a message on July 20, 2021:
So sorry for your loss, praying for y’all. He will be greatly missed. Jim loved all of you so much!
Betty Wampler
left a message on July 20, 2021:
Thinking of the entire McMahan family with love and prayers.
Curtis Matthews
left a message on July 20, 2021:
I cannot say how much my heart both aches and is so proud. Mr. McMahan was my mentor and showed me the way to grow up and be a leader. I was in the Berea High Band, not the Green Machine yet, when Mr. McMahan brought the first AAA State Marching Band Championship to Berea in 1972. I loved the time he brought his boat to band camp and taught me how to ski. I loved the fatherly talks when he would school me on being a band member and the times he sat beside me and taught me what a trumpet should sound like. I made Allstate Band playing "The Sounds From the Hudson", received a scholarship to Furman University, and went on to teach instrumental music for 42 years. Yes, I owe it all to Mr. McMahan. I know my heart is hurting but to Janna, Chrys, and Nikki I know yours is hurting more. Huge hugs to you and your family. I wish I had taken Jim and Janna McMahan to Silver Bay more often. I love you and thanks for the memories.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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DONALD Newman
left a message on July 27, 2021:
In memory of James “Jim” L McMahan, DONALD Newman lit a candle
Jimmy Pittman
left a message on July 26, 2021:
I didn’t know Jim with direct contact during my high school days, I knew him by the band interaction with what became my In Laws Dottie and Dennis King and my wife Bonnie (Ulmer). But from an indirect relationship for me I learned that he was the best at what he did. Bonnie tells stories about the hard hard work. But she also tells stories about National recognition, trips to Mardi Gras etc. Jim was a master. Nothing but your best was acceptable. I got to know Jim in later years with the times we saw each other with Berea events and through Bonnie, and I always told him how I admired his drive, his dedication to the profession, and his successes. He always downplayed them, but “He Was the Man”. The most astounding beautiful Trumpet duet I have ever heard or will ever hear was Jim and Tommy playing a duet at the 1965 (I think) Miss Berea High Pageant. The best of the best. Hopefully Jim and Tommy are celebrating in heaven today. ( My only concern is whether or not Tommy made it up there) LOL. RIP. My much admired friend Jim McMahan. Jimmy Pittman
Stella Looper Schaefer
left a message on July 26, 2021:
I have so many happy memories of my wonderful time as part of The Green Machine! I was one of his first students at Berea Elementary School, loved being in the band! Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Cheri August Bell
left a message on July 25, 2021:
Rest in Peace to an amazing man.
Dr. Charles Wm. Brown
left a message on July 25, 2021:
Three weeks prior to Jim's death, my son Michael and I visited Jim and Janna in their den on a Sunday evening. I had not seen him for 42 years. He reflected on his long tenure at the Berea High School and his many accomplishments and how gratifying they had been for him. I referenced how I made the Sans Souci Baptist Church office (where I served as pastor) a call center to raise money from band parents to present Jim a monetary gift following the AAA State Marching Band Competition trophy in 1979. My son served as drummajor and understandably we were proud of the Mean Green Machine's achievement. To wife Janna and his two daughters, I offer my sincere prayers for their well-being during this time of great sorrow. Sincerely, Dr. Charles W. Brown, Maryville, TN.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Jama Freeman
left a message on July 24, 2021:
My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. May God give you the peace that you seek.
Phillip McMahan
left a message on July 24, 2021:
Janna I want to let you know I was so blessed to be able to have shared that ice cream cone with Jim and you while I was there in 2019 I send you hugs ? and love from afar I hope you are at peace and know that he was loved by this nephew love you and I hope to see you and the girls sometime soon
Rodger and Janet Bush
left a message on July 24, 2021:
I am one of Jim's first cousins. As a child I always viewed Jim and Jana as the perfect couple, they were always together, always happy and having fun, always making you feel welcome. I was only 8 to 10 years old then but now at age 70 I can remember it as if it was yesterday. It is strange- when we heard of Jim's passing my wife had the same thoughts. Even though you never knew it, you two had a lasting impact on my life. It's very seldom we get to witness something like you two!!
Jane Reid
left a message on July 24, 2021:
Mr. M is an icon and beloved by me and all of us in the Green Machine! There will never be another person to impact so many. love to the family, comfort and peace.
Randall Cooper
left a message on July 23, 2021:
Mr. McMahan taught me much more than how to play a trumpet, mark time, glide step 8 to 5 and dress right. He taught me the value of aiming high and working hard to achieve my goals. We talked about this life lesson many times through the years as we reminisced about our time together during my days in The Green Machine from 1976-1981. I thanked Mr. McMahan for pushing me to be better back then, because it helped shape me into the man I am today. While I will miss those talks, I will hold onto the memories of band days and hunting trips with Mr. McMahan forever. I am keeping the entire McMahan family in my prayers during this time.
Diane Rodgers Masters
left a message on July 22, 2021:
He was a wonderful man to admire and respect.
God bless you and your family.
Julia Palmer
left a message on July 22, 2021:
Larry and I have great memoies of shagging, laughing, beach trips for many years of friendship with Jim and Jana. Thoughts and prayers for all the family.
Danny Evans
left a message on July 22, 2021:
Jim was one of a few teachers I chose to remember. He along with my family made me into the man I am today I will keep the family in my thoughts and prayers.
Helen McMahan Anderson
left a message on July 21, 2021:
Jim was my closet sibling and I adored him. There were 5 years difference in our ages, which is considerable when you don’t attend high school together. Still, we shared many of the same circle of friends, especially as we grew older, and had many pleasurable outings with them over the years. Interestingly, jim and I both developed a love for golf a few years separate from each other and spent numerous, beautiful and enjoyable hours on various golf courses with my husband Bobby.
Camille Cunningham Harvey
left a message on July 21, 2021:
I will always remember Mr.McMahan. We worked hard, and I learned a lot. I listened to Dvorak's Symphony No.9 from the New World in his memory. His talent and influence was great. My deepest sympathy to Janna, Chrys, Nikki, and all the family. He will be greatly missed and always remembered.
Joel Christopher
left a message on July 21, 2021:
To all the family I express my sympathy and love to each of you. May God be with you all and give you comfort at this time. Jim was a good friend to me and my brothers and my family.❤️???????❤️
Bob Talley
left a message on July 21, 2021:
In 1962, Jim began his teaching career at Berea HS and he only had seven students with any prior music training. I was in that group and for the next five years, he was my teacher. From those seven novices, by my senior year, the band had grown to six majorettes and 72 musicians and we frequently won top prizes in major competitions. I think that was a pretty remarkable achievement.
George Aufmuth
left a message on July 21, 2021:
I always enjoyed my conversations with Jim about woodworking projects. He enjoyed discussing various items he had made and the tools used. He loved his family and it showed.
Patricia and Chris Simons
left a message on July 21, 2021:
Jim will be missed by all of us. Loved him and his sweet family. ❤
Patricia and Chris Simons
left a message on July 21, 2021:
So sorry for your loss. Jim was a wonderful man and I loved him and his family. He was a great cousin and was always kind to me.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Sharron Voyles
left a message on July 21, 2021:
My deepest condolences to Jim’s family and friends. I remember him well when my husband Lloyd was principal at BHS. He was a very devoted instructor and faculty member.
Sharron Voyles
Michael and Melanie Brown
left a message on July 21, 2021:
Our prayers go out for the Family.
Barb Williams
left a message on July 21, 2021:
I am so sorry for your loss. I'm Kegyn's grandmother and I met Bryson's grandfather at the kids' wedding reception. We were all at the grandparents table. He really enjoyed people and made them feel at ease. I know he meant everything to Bryson and will be greatly missed.
Bill Ware
left a message on July 21, 2021:
All my prayers to Jim's family, a very good friend will be missed by many, god's speed my friend.
Tracy Golightly-Garcia
left a message on July 21, 2021:
Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Dindi Mcgarity Cooper
left a message on July 20, 2021:
In memory of James "Jim" L McMahan, Dindi Mcgarity Cooper lit a candle
Randy Vaughn
left a message on July 20, 2021:
Jim McMahan is largely responsible for the person I am today. He taught me discipline and hard work are the keys to success. He taught me that there are no shortcuts in achieving goals. He didn’t demand respect, he earned respect each and every day. Godspeed my friend.
Carolyn Blankenship
left a message on July 20, 2021:
Clarence and I were deeply saddened by the news of Jim’s death. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May God bless and comfort you today and in the days to come.
Our love and prayers.
Becky Bowers Mooneyhan
left a message on July 20, 2021:
Mr. McMahan taught me band in 9th grade at Camden High School. He was a wonderful teacher... always had a corny joke for us and always required us to perform to the best of our abilities. I reconnected with him on Facebook over 40 yrs after he taught me. He will always be remembered and missed ❤
Shirley Cordell
left a message on July 20, 2021:
So sorry for your loss, praying for y’all. He will be greatly missed. Jim loved all of you so much!
Betty Wampler
left a message on July 20, 2021:
Thinking of the entire McMahan family with love and prayers.
Curtis Matthews
left a message on July 20, 2021:
I cannot say how much my heart both aches and is so proud. Mr. McMahan was my mentor and showed me the way to grow up and be a leader. I was in the Berea High Band, not the Green Machine yet, when Mr. McMahan brought the first AAA State Marching Band Championship to Berea in 1972. I loved the time he brought his boat to band camp and taught me how to ski. I loved the fatherly talks when he would school me on being a band member and the times he sat beside me and taught me what a trumpet should sound like. I made Allstate Band playing "The Sounds From the Hudson", received a scholarship to Furman University, and went on to teach instrumental music for 42 years. Yes, I owe it all to Mr. McMahan. I know my heart is hurting but to Janna, Chrys, and Nikki I know yours is hurting more. Huge hugs to you and your family. I wish I had taken Jim and Janna McMahan to Silver Bay more often. I love you and thanks for the memories.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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