Jim Mcmahon

James Alan "Jim", son of Gerald V. "Jiggs" and Kathleen Ann "Kay" (Finken) McMahon, was born August 28, 1947, at Manilla, Iowa. At age 1½ Jim was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. He was able to attend kindergarten, first and half of second grade in Manilla before transferring to Iowa Hospital School in Iowa City where they were better able to help with his disabilities. After seventh grade he returned to Manilla, graduating with the Manilla High School Class of 1966. Jim received a scholarship to the University of Missouri where he majored in mathematics and computer science. After about a year and a half, he moved to Omaha, Nebraska where he worked at several jobs eventually being promoted to assistant director of the Omaha Area Food Bank. Then in the late 1970s Jim returned to school at University of Nebraska at Omaha where he earned his bachelor's degree in sociology. He then completed his course work towards a master's degree in social work. Because of his disabilities, he was discriminated against when applying for work. That experience led him to form CROWD, Community Response by Omahans With Disabilities. This organization was an advocacy agency, helping individuals who were discriminated against because of their disabilities. They were very successful in calling attention to the need for handicap accessible accommodations, winning many court cases. In his limited spare time while active in CROWD, Jim enjoyed playing chess, backgammon, and various card games. After living independently all his adult life, Jim returned to Manilla in 2008. Due to the progression of Alzheimer's symptoms, he became a resident of the Manilla Manor Nursing Home. Following a surgery, Jim's health declined and he died at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, NE, on Saturday, November 5, 2011. He was 64 years, 2 months and 8 days of age. Preceding Jim in death are his parents; infant brother Gerard McMahon; brother-in-law Donald "Turk" Haynie; nephew Sean McMahon; step niece, Jessica Haynie; and step-great niece, Drew Haynie. He is survived by three brothers: Gary McMahon (Nancy) of Omaha, NE; Patrick McMahon (Shell) of Minden and Timothy McMahon (Judy) of Omaha, NE; five sisters: Mary Heller (James) of Manilla; Dee Haynie of Omaha, NE; Ann Katzer (Gene) of Denison; Beth Dickson (Mike) of Manilla and Susan McMahon of Bennington, NE; four nieces; 14 nephews; 41 great-nieces and nephews; three aunts Patricia McMahon of Manilla; Rita Finken of Harlan and Dorothy Rooney of Sioux City; uncle Urb Knobbe (Jean) of Carroll, as well as, all those whose lives are easier because of his advocacy. "May the work I have done speak for me." Casket Bearers Gary McMahon Pat McMahon Tim McMahon Sue McMahon Mike Dickson Gene Katzer Jim Heller