James Francis Mahon

James Francis Mahon, 80, of Houston, TX, entered into a peaceful rest, in Connecticut, on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, with his wife and son by his side. He was the beloved husband of 43 years to Mary Mahon. Known formally as James, informally as Jim, and within the family as Jimmy. Jim was born in New Haven, CT on June 22, 1945, to the late William and Mary Mahon of West Haven, CT. Growing up in West Haven, he loved life on the coast, spending time in the salt marsh behind his family home and in the ocean. As a graduate of Notre Dame High School and Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), art was always part of his life. After graduating RISD, Jim, his wife and first-born child moved to Kansas City, MO, where he had his second child and began his career at Hallmark Cards. He, along with other young artists, were part of the launch of Hallmark Christmas ornaments. His creation, Frosty Friends, continues to be the longest running Keepsake ornament. With art always being his passion, not just a profession, he created clay sculptures that were sold at different fairs, with the Renaissance Festival being his favorite. His cowboy and horses themed sculptures led Jim to name this line The Kansas City Cowboy. In 1980, he and his family moved back to Connecticut, where he took on a role with Henson Associates (ha!) commonly known as The Muppets. His talent in making visions a reality, from concept to design and manufacturing, was a perfect fit. While working with The Muppets, as the Art Director for licensed products he was part of the Muppet Magazine team, working with various celebrities. Jim created the Muppet Babies which have been cherished by generations. His love of creating followed him into retirement. Jimmy adored his family. His father was the first of 11 siblings and Jimmy was the first of 41 cousins. His aunts and uncles, whom he admired very much, were his heroes. The 40 cousins that followed continued the strong family bond. When Jimmy or one of his cousins had a rough day, his grandfather would hug them and say "You're one of the best." Jimmy carried that love for others with him across his life. Just as his father Bill inspired young athletes, Jim inspired his children, grandchildren and many young artists to pursue their dreams. Jim taught those around him to look at life through an artistic lens and find beauty in the simplest things. Along with his wife, Mary, he will always be loved by his children, Lisa Haynes of Milford, CT, Dennis and Renee Mahon of Simsbury, CT and Robert and Soyoung Kang of San Francisco, CA. Grampio will continue to inspire his grandchildren, Arlene Haynes of Myrtle Beach, SC, Kealey Mahon of Palmer, MA, Kierra Mahon of Middletown, CT, Ashlyn Mahon of Simsbury, CT and Evelyn Kang of San Francisco, CA. Jimmy will eternally be adored by his little sisters Patricia and Orrin Hanke of Troutman, NC, and Barbara Mahon of West Haven, CT and his former wife Arlene Mitchell of Milford, CT. The visiting hours will be Saturday, September 27th, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at The Havens Family North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, North Haven. A Catholic Parlor service will be conducted in the funeral home at the conclusion of the visiting hours at 12:00 PM. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.