James "J.P." McMahon
1924 - 2023
James "J.P." McMahon
1924 - 2023
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James McMahon Obituary
During his 30 years of service in the U.S. Navy, Captain J.P. McMahon saw combat in World War II (in the Asiatic-Pacific theater), Korean War and Vietnam War. He was a Commanding Officer on the USS Chatterer (AMS 40) and Lieutenant Commanding Officer on the USS Cogswell during hazardous and difficult mine sweeping assignments. His military decorations include the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with Combat "V" and Presidential Unit Citation to the USS Chatterer. He was honorably discharged in 1971. James was a true hero and his bravery and selflessness will always be remembered.
After his military service, J.P. McMahon enjoyed a second career in education at the University of Hawaii for 21 years.
Despite the hardening experiences of war, Jim never lost his wit and humor. He had a voracious appetite for knowledge and remained a student of life even through his last days. He was a man of great character and integrity, and was loved by all who knew him.
Even in his final days, Jim displayed his fighting spirit and never gave up. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his legacy will live on through his family, friends, and all who were inspired by his life.
Jim is survived by his wife, Doris – his rock and support; his two sons, Clayton and Ethan; and his sister, Joan.
Rest in peace, Captain J.P. McMahon. You will always be remembered as a true hero, a loving husband and father, and a friend to all.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
Wayne Vanderpool
August 19, 2025
My father served on the Chatterer and stories to tell about it so I helped him make a small book that he had copies made to share with his shipmates. The day my father died his Captain called the house and asked to speak to me. My father had told me how he had admired and respected Captain McMahon and how he was lucky to have him lead the ship through very troubled waters. Now his Captain told me how good my father was at performing his duties with courage and bravery. I will never forget the thoughtfulness of that phone call. I had a few more conversations with James and always came away from them wanting more. He was definitely an interesting person that lived a wonderful life.
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David Hays
December 19, 2023
Wow, amazing how long a life James Mchahon lived! I was a student at UH and James hired me to work on-campus in the East West Center of the University of Hawaii in about 1983 helping with various events, running movies in the theatre, and doing various sound system work. James was very meticulous about running events in the East West Center and I learned a lot from him about sound systems. I remember once we had a visit from the Chinese Premier at the East West Center...big deal, security everywhere,...and I believe we all had to do a short interview with secret service before we were allowed to work the event. James made sure we were all prepared and the event went off without a hitch. Other than James teaching general aspects of sound engineering, one thing I remember about him was his advice to read some new information in your field every morning/day in order to keep up and current. James also taught me another valuable lesson. On occasion I used to cut things close on time and or getting to the event. I never missed anything...but it probably caused James some unwanted anxiety...so he called me into his office one day and yes...fired me. It taught me a life lesson about the value of punctuality and never taking things for granted. It was the first and ONLY time I had/have ever been fired from a job...some lessons you have to learn the hard way! So, RIP, and thanks to James Mcmahon for preparing me with this valuable life lesson! David Hays, BSCE UH 1988
Dr J F McNamara
March 30, 2023
I served as the Captain´s Yeoman Third Class in Taiwan. I owe him for being my role model. He was a remarkable officer and a real gentleman. I owe him for the letter of recommendation he wrote for me for my direct commission. I have the deepest respect for the Captain and for his guidance and leadership! Thank You Captain.
LT J F. McNamara, retired
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