James William Mahoney, Jr.

James William Mahoney, Jr., 76, a devoted father, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully among family and friends at his residence in San Diego on February 12, 2026, after a long illness. Born in Gainesville, Florida, he moved to Jacksonville, Florida in 1952. He grew up in the Ortega area, where he made lifelong friends and became interested in the fine arts. James graduated from The Bolles School in Jacksonville and Harvard University in 1971, with a concentration in Art History.

After college, he began his career with the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC, at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and later became the Associate Registrar of the Smithsonian Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Gallery, serving for almost three decades.

James was also the regional arts editor for Art in America magazine. He was a well-known artist, arts juror, curator, art professor, and one of the most influential arts voices in Washington. His personal style of expression was mixed media collage art, which was featured in multiple private shows in the Washington/Northern Virginia area.

James was known for his generosity, depth of knowledge, creativity, and hyper-intelligence. His affectionate, kind and thoughtful nature was immediately apparent to anyone who met him, and especially those who were his friends. In his later years, he came to San Diego to live closer to his daughter, Sara, and his grandchildren. He would delight in his frequent outings with them, enjoying the natural beauty of the nearby mountains and the Pacific.

James was preceded in death by his parents, James W. Mahoney, Sr, and Frances O. Mahoney. He is survived by his beloved daughter, Sara Johnson (Larry), his brother Randolph (Lauren), his niece Meredith Lee, his nephew James A. Mahoney, and five cherished grandchildren, Danasia, Donovan, Aliya, Arielle, and Laryssa.

A celebration of life is planned for Summer, 2026 in the Northern Virginia area. The family wishes to thank all his caregivers, especially Trish Pena at Blossom Valley, and the entire team at Heritage Hospice. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association, or the charity of your choice.