James "Mac" Austin McMahon's Obituary
James "Mac" Austin McMahon, age 81, of Arlington, VA, and Lewes, DE, passed away on Thursday, June 24, 2021, at Virginia Hospital Center, in Arlington, VA. He was born on September 17, 1939, in New York, NY, son of the late James Anthony and Anne Marie (Gibbons) McMahon.
Mr. McMahon graduated from Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School in 1957. He held multiple degrees including: a B.A. in Economics from St. Vincent College in 1961 and a Ph.D. in Economics from Boston College in 1969. Mr. McMahon embarked on his career as an Assistant Professor of Economics with Hobart and William Smith College in Geneva, NY. He joined the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Montreal, Canada as an Economist, and later took an appointment to the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB). He worked as an Aviation Economist for the Federal Aviation Administration, for 21 years, retiring in 2005.
In retirement, Mr. McMahon's love of aviation continued. He was a certified private pilot and member of the Quiet Birdmen (DCA Hangar). Mr. McMahon volunteered his time and expertise to the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) in Virginia and Oshkosh, WI, and most recently for the Village Volunteers in Lewes, DE. He was a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Lewes and a regular student and guest instructor at Osher Livelong Learning in Lewes. He enjoyed golfing and traveling and had a passion for antique cars, opera, classical music, and helping the homeless.
In addition to his parents, Mr. McMahon was preceded in death by his brother, Michael McMahon. He is survived by his wife, Melcena Gary Clemmons of Arlington, VA; his children: Maureen Garlock of New Market, MD, Jim McMahon of Carlsbad, CA, Sean McMahon of Carlsbad, CA, and Christopher McMahon of Pleasant, Unity, PA; his brother, Terrence McMahon of Buffalo, NY; his four grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, July 26, 2021, at 11:00 AM, at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 2nd Street, Lewes, DE, where friends may visit beginning at 10:00 AM.
Social distancing protocols must be observed, and masks must be worn by everyone participating in any aspect of the service.
All who cannot attend in person are invited to join the services via live streaming by visiting the following link: https://youtu.be/nmsu-kgCmjo
Please sign the virtual guestbook located on the tribute page.
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