James H. McMahon

To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to pluck up that which is planted.
                                                                                                                                                       Ecclesiastes 3:12


 

A Time to be Born
Mr. James Hozell McMahon, affectionately known as “Mac” to his friends and “Uncle Yon” to his family, was born to the late Kelcie McMahon on September 28, 1935 in Ocala, Florida.

 
A Time to Plant
Mr. McMahon planted seeds for what would become a life of dedicated service to the education of others from the time he entered the public school system of Palmetto, Florida. He graduated from Lincoln Memorial High School in 1953 and continued his education at Paine College in Augusta GA, receiving his B.A. degree in Social Studies and History in 1957. Not content with this level of study, he received his Master of Arts degree in Education Administration from South Carolina State College in 1968.

 
A Time to Love
Mr. McMahon found his endless and forever love with the former Miss Curlenia Holloman and together they joined in holy matrimony on June 24, 1958. To this beautiful union was born two equally beautiful children, Kenneth in 1960, and Valerie in 1962. In 1974, Mr. McMahon’s love turned towards God, and he welcomed the Lord Jesus Christ into his heart as his Savior. He was a devoted member of Saint Matthew’s Church of God in Christ Jesus - Apostolic of Florence, SC where he served as a Trustee, Adult Sunday School Teacher, and Bible Teacher.

A Time to Build Up
After completing his degree at Paine College and marrying the love of his life, Mr. McMahon did as most young men did during that era and enlisted in the Armed Services to serve his country. From 1957-1960, he served in the United States Army as an Instructor for the Armed Forces Institute, which was affiliated with the University of Maryland. In 1963, Mr. McMahon received an Honorable Discharge from the Army as an SP4. He continued to build his career as an educator at various schools:

1961-1962 Science and Social Studies Instructor, Columbus High School, Lakeview, SC
1962-1969 Social Studies Instructor, Pine Middle School, Darlington, SC
1969–1970 Assistant Principal, Mayo High School, Darlington, SC
1970-1986 Principal, B. A. Gary Middle School, Darlington, SC 
1986-1989 Mathematics Intervention Instructor, Brockington Elementary School, Darlington, SC

Upon retiring from the Darlington County School system after 30 years of educational service, he continued to work as a mailroom assistant for the Florence Morning News and a Security Agent with Am-Pro Security for several years.

 
A Time to Laugh
Those who were really close to Mr. McMahon knew of his passion for fishing and how he shared this joy with his son, Kenneth. He was an avid crossword puzzle solver, and enjoyed completing the daily newspaper puzzle each morning with a good cup of coffee and a Little Debbie cake. He enjoyed working with people and mentored many fellow educators and students. Mr. McMahon loved all sports, and was a S. C. High School League basketball referee for many years. He also possessed a beautiful baritone voice, which he rarely shared with others, but when he did, his musical ability was astounding. Mr. McMahon truly loved and was devoted to his family and friends and was always available to offer advice, a friendly conversation, and encouragement to meet life’s challenges.

A Time to Die
On Monday, June 3, 2024, Mr. McMahon peacefully entered into eternal rest, awaiting the time that he will enter into his mansion of reward that God has prepared for him.

A Time to Mourn
Mr. McMahon joined in eternal rest, his son, Kenneth L. McMahon; his mother, Kelcie McMahon; his father-in-law, Flander J. Holloman; his mother-in-law, Theola Holloman; four sisters; and three brothers. 

Mr. McMahon leaves to cherish and honor the life he lived: his loving and devoted wife of 65 years, Curlenia Holloman McMahon; his adoring daughter, Valerie McMahon Sawyer; a granddaughter, Dominique LaShawn Sawyer, who was his “very heart, pride, and joy”; a grandson, Markus Avery Sawyer, who he admired and loved because he was so much like his grandfather;  one sister, Vernette Collier of Palmetto, Florida; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Please keep the family of James Hozell McMahon in your thoughts and prayers.