James Mahan,

James L. "Sonny" Mahan, Sr. 72 of Mount Vernon, died Wednesday, May 18, 2005 in his home. Surviving Jim is his wife of 30 years Diana. Jim was born February 20, 1933, in Okay, Oklahoma, the son of John Hardin and Minnie Rosetta Stacy Mahan. A survivor of the Great Depression, picked cotton at the age of nine, lost both parents by the age of fourteen, Jim became a well-respected, self-made, and educated man. His forty-year career started with the birth of the aerospace industry beginning with an entry-level position at Convair Corporation in San Diego, California, and culminating with twenty-five years at Rockwell International retiring in 1990. Jim had a major influence on the Gemini, Apollo, and Space Shuttle programs, completing his career as Director of Special Projects at Kennedy Space Center. Equal to the accomplishments in his professional career, Jim was a wonderful family man, rancher, and community leader. His hobbies included travel, dancing, and a deep love of animals. Jim has deep roots in Oklahoma, California, Florida, and Iowa. He was a man of strong faith, morals, integrity, and honor. Surviving Jim in addition to his wife, are his children and their families: James Mahan, Jr. of Virginia, Stacey Smith of Indiana, John Mahan of Virginia, and Lisa Christmas of Florida; and a sister Louise Hernandez of California. He leaves behind five grandchildren with one on the way, aunt Louise of Oklahoma, and a wealth of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Preceding Jim in death were eight brothers and sisters, and a granddaughter Shawnie. Services will be at 10:00 a.m., Sunday, at Morgan Funeral and Cremation Choices, Mount Vernon Chapel, by Hospice Chaplin Dave King. The viewing will be Saturday from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., at the chapel. Jim will be buried in Mount Vernon Memorial Cemetery. Memorials in Jim's honor may be sent c/o Morgan Funeral and Cremation Choices, 715 10th Ave. S. Mount Vernon, IA 52314. On-line condolences: www.morganfuneralchoices.com