James Willard Mcmahon

James (Jim) "Burrhead" Willard McMahon, 86, died Oct. 29 at his home in Union. A 3 p.m. funeral service Saturday will be at the LDS Ward in Union. No viewing will be conducted. Final burial will be at the Willamette National Cemetery in Portland.

Mr. McMahon was born Jan. 26, 1920, to Cleveland Randolph and Anna Lee Wilkinson McMahon in Staunton, Ind., where he received his education. He worked on the railroad as a young man until he volunteered to serve in the Navy during World War II, where he saw action on Normandy Beach.

Before the war he married Maudie Welch; they later divorced. Following the war, he did highway construction work and then drove truck for 22 years. About 1965 he moved to Union and worked for the Boise Cascade particle board plant until retiring in 1984.

In 1977 he married Martha Lucinda Callahan in Union. They would have a celebrated their 28th anniversary this coming Nov. 5.

Four many seasons the McMahons enjoyed going to the mountains and cutting wood for their own use and that of numerous medical professionals. He memorized poetry, which the would recite effortlessly. He also loved jokes and making people laugh. Most of all, he enjoyed being in the loving company of family and friends.

Survivors include his wife; children, James and Margaret Batchlor of Brazil, Ind., Arthur "Buddy" of Evansville, Ind., Carolyn Alexander of Crawfordsville, Ind.; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by 11 brothers and sisters, and his daughters, Martha Ellen Batchlor and Patricia Bottorff.