Dr. James (Jim) C. Mahoney, aged 76, died suddenly Friday evening while doing the work he loved to care for his cattle. Dr. Mahoney retired in 2007 from four decades in general surgery practice and turned his full attention to his lifelong passion for farming. He was born in the Jockey community, grew up in Jonesborough, and lived most of his life in Washington County. Educated at ETSU and the University of Tennessee, Dr. Mahoney was grateful for the benefits of a good education, and later served on the faculty at ETSU medical school and on the board of the Washington College Academy. He served as a flight surgeon in North Africa as a Captain in the United States Air Force, and in mid-life he shared his time with the VA Hospital and Johnson County hospital in Mountain City, spending many happy afternoons at the Mountain Home VA campus near his medical office.

Dr. Mahoney was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas James Mahoney and Martha Cate O’Dell Mahoney, and by his eldest sister, Hilda Mahoney Frye. He is survived by his children Russell Cooper Mahoney of Blount County and Lela Mahoney Young and family of Knoxville, including husband Charles (Chuck) Edward Young and children Natalie Russell Young, Cooper Henry Young, and Harrison Edward Young. He is also survived by his sister Regina Mahoney Foor Adams and brother-in-law John Adams of Gloucester Point, Virginia, and three nieces: Elizabeth Foor Hicks and husband Russell Wayne Hicks of Bedford, Virginia; Cynthia Foor Callis and husband Vivian H. (Jack) Callis of Saluda, Virginia; and Jennifer Frye Bowen of Kingsport, and their children. Nearer home, Dr. Mahoney is survived by cousins Dan and Katie Mahoney, and Jane Epps, all of Johnson City.

When Dr. Mahoney returned to Jonesborough full-time, he took up the work of the homestead in the Fairview community where he’d grown up. He deeply enjoyed rekindling community ties. He met often with a group of high school classmates to share a meal, and in the mornings, he could be found at the Glendale Store near his Greene County farm or at White’s Automotive in Jonesborough. Dr. Mahoney and his family are grateful for the embrace of the many friends and neighbors in the Fairview community. While his death came without warning and too soon, Dr. Mahoney was at peace in his faith and found daily joy in farming his family’s land, tending his cattle, visiting his children and grandchildren, and sharing meals and laughter with friends.

The family will receive friends from 5-7 Thursday evening, with a memorial service to follow, at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home in Jonesborough. A brief graveside service will be held 10 am Friday at the Fairview United Methodist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Russell Mahoney, Joey Keys, Harry Young, Jimmy Rector, Johnny Dillow, Shane Adkins, Don White, and Kyle White. Donations in Dr. Mahoney’s honor are appreciated at any charity of your choosing, or at Angel Flight (angelflightsoars.org) or Remote Area Medical (ramusa.org).