The Rev. James L. McMahan

The Rev. James L. McMahan, 64, died unexpectedly at his residence on Saturday, July 1, 2017. James was born May 3, 1953, in Hagerstown, Maryland.

His alma mater was South Hagerstown High School, Hagerstown, where he graduated in 1971. James continued his education at Hagerstown Junior College, graduating with an Associate’s degree in General Studies in 1987. He completed his educational career at Shepherd University, obtaining a Regents Bachelor of Arts degree in 1992 and graduated cum laude.

He was employed by Mack truck as a material handler and loader of heat treat furnaces from 1972 to 1985. James began his career in the ministry at Silver Hill Methodist Church and Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church in Frederick, Maryland, in 1987. He was then appointed to Gerrardstown United Methodist and Ganotown United Methodist Church, from 1989 to 1993. In 1993, James served Trinity United Methodist, Cumberland, Maryland, and Potomac Park Methodist Church in Cresaptown, Maryland, until the year 2000. His next spiritual journey began in Berkley Springs, where he served his congregation until 2003. It was at this time that James relocated to Brooklyn United Methodist Church, Baltimore City, Baltimore, Maryland and served his people faithfully until 2007. In his final appointment, he found himself at the Barton United Methodist Church, Barton, Maryland, for one year. Prior to his retirement, James was employed from 2009 to 2015 as a correctional officer at North Branch Correctional Institution, Cresaptown.

He is survived by his high school sweetheart, soulmate, and wife of 44 years, Carolyn L. McMahan, of Cumberland; daughter, Tera L. Buskirk and husband Carl, of Mooresville, North Carolina; son, Jason E. McMahan and wife Melissa, of Cumberland; five grandchildren, Tristen L. Buskirk, of Camp Pendleton, California, Justen L. Buskirk, of Mooresville, Skylar N. Ross, of Corriganville, Maryland, Xavier J. Michaels, of Cumberland; and his heart, Emma R. McMahan, of Cumberland, MD; a special sister-in-law, Bonnie L. Hart, Hagerstown; cherished brother-in-law, Raymond E. Watkins; as well as several nieces, nephews, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his father, James H. McMahan; mother, Carole E. McMahan; stepfather, Parvin L. Kridler; and sister, Carolyn A. Boppe.

Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A. is assisting the family with arrangements.

James was cremated at his request, however, a memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, July 7, 2017, at Emmanuel Methodist Church, 802 Summit Avenue, Hagerstown. Family and friends are welcome at the service, to be officiated by Pastor Larry Stevens of NorthStar Church, Rawlings, Maryland.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to Emmanuel Methodist Church to support aspiring pastors.

Jim was a very proud grandfather and enjoyed swimming with his grandchildren in any body of water they could find. He was a devoted servant of the Lord and found solace through his faith. He will be greatly missed.

Condolences for the family may be left at www.ScarpelliFH.com.