James E. Mahon, 79, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 17, 2018. Born in East Palestine, Ohio on August 2, 1938, he was a 54-year resident of Fowler Township, Ohio.

A graduate of Maplewood (Mecca) High School, Jim played basketball and was a member of the Navy Reserve; upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Key West, Florida. After his four-year commitment, he returned to northeast Ohio and was hired at Packard Electric. Jim retired after 30 years of employment, which allowed him to begin the next chapter of his work life. With an entrepreneurial spirit, Jim had numerous business ventures before, during, and after his years with General Motors. He and his wife, Rose Ann owned a carpet installation business – invested in rental properties – and turned their hobby for landscaping into the successful Ridge Nursery. His strong work ethic allowed his ideas to flourish.

Jim's generous spirit will be missed by those who received his kindness in the form of gestures, both large and small. He was a multi-gallon blood donor for the Red Cross; gave his time and expertise to anyone who needed his wide-ranging mechanical, electrical and all-around handyman skills; and provided his time and talents to charities and civic organizations, including: Aid to Appalachia and the Fowler Historical Society, respectively.

An avid traveler, Jim regularly enjoyed vacationing with his family in the Smoky Mountains and Myrtle Beach. He visited a majority of our 50 states by car or air. In recent years, he and Rose Ann caught the cruise bug, traveling to Bermuda three times; cruising on the Mediterranean Sea with stops in Spain, Italy and France; and visiting the fjords of Norway during the summer of 2015. Jim enjoyed college and professional sports, and was a life-long Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Indians fan. He had a passion for cars – loved music – and was always on the hunt for generously-portioned good food!

Jim is survived by Rose Ann (Zoccole), his wife of 56 years; a son, James II; a daughter and son-in-law, Lynn and Brad Wentz; granddaughter Skyler Chill and grandson Gannon Wentz – the two brightest lights in his life; extended family James, Caroline and Laura Crawford; and many other beloved family members and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Fred & Martha; and brothers John and Don Mahon.

Donations in Jim's honor can be made to your local food pantry.

Calling hours will be 10 a.m. until the time of Mass Saturday (7-21-18) in St. Bartholomew Church, 311 W Ridge Ave, Sharpsville, PA 16150.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Saturday, in the church, with Rev. Matthew Strickenberger, pastor, as celebrant.

Interment: Dugan Cemetery, Fowler, OH.

Arrangements by J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.