Obituary of James-Richard McMahon

James Richard McMahon, age 58, of Crestview, Fla., passed away Sunday evening, Aug. 11, 2013, at North Okaloosa Medical Center, after a brief illness. James was born Dec. 26, 1954, in DeFuniak Springs, Fla. He loved hunting, fishing and all of nature and the outdoors. James had a passion for music, which he played and taught to many others throughout his life. He played in a band and performed with many choirs and groups in the area including the Okaloosa Chamber Singers. He performed at many area events, weddings and funerals, and was once invited as a guest soloist for the Change of Command at Pensacola Naval Air Station. James was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church in Crestview. During the last several years, he witnessed and shared his love for the Lord with many others in hope they would find the peace and salvation he knew.James is now re-united with his best friend and brother, Steve, who preceded him in death in 1983. He was also preceded in death by his grandparents, William Edward and Iva McMahon, and W.J. Churchwell and Mae Churchwell Hobbs.James is survived by his parents, John and Doris Churchwell McMahon; his sister and brother in law, Laura and Eddy Pitts; sister in law, Lissa McMahon Dunn; nephews and niece, Andrew McMahon, Curtis Pitts (his best hunting buddy) and Danielle Day (and her husband, Chris); and great nieces and nephews, Lindsay Day, Molly McMahon, Brendan Day and Jack McMahon.A celebration of James' life will take place at 11 a.m., on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2013, at First United Methodist Church, Crestview. The family will receive friends at the church on Wednesday starting at 10 a.m. Following services, James will be laid to rest next to his brother, Steve, in Liveoak Park Memorial Cemetery.Flowers are welcome, or friends who wish may contribute to First United Methodist Church, earmarked for Missionary Work, in James' memory. Arrangements are entrusted to Whitehurst Powell Funeral Home in Crestview. Guest book and condolences are available online at www.whitehurstpowellfuneralhome.com.