John W. “Jack” Mahan, passed away Wednesday, July 4, 2012 at his home in Helena. Funeral services are pending for Saturday, July 7, 2012 at St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral in Helena. Time wJohn W. Mahan
HELENA—John W. “Jack” Mahan, a retired Helena attorney, died peacefully on July 4, 2012, in his home. Independence Day was a fitting date for this former World War II Marine pilot and national veterans’ leader to depart this life. He was 89.
Jack Mahan was a proud husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He contributed greatly to his nation, his state and his community over the decades.
He was born June 24, 1923, in Missoula, the son of John W. Mahan Sr., an attorney, and his wife, Iola. His father was former national commander of the Disabled American Veterans and later brigadier general and Montana’s adjutant general. His mother was president of the American Legion Auxiliary in Helena.
He graduated from Helena High School in 1941, serving as student body president his senior year. Mahan also worked as a doorman at the Marlow Theatre where his sweetheart and future wife, Shirley Tuohy, also worked.
Jack enrolled at the University of Montana in 1941, where he was elected president of the freshman class and joined Sigma Alpha Epsilon.
After the attack on Pearl Harbor Dec. 7, 1941, Jack joined the Navy Air Corps in the spring of 1942 with the goal of being a Marine pilot. He began training as a Navy cadet at Carroll College before attending other preflight schools.
He was discharged by the Navy in Corpus Christi, Texas, on April 3, 1943, and commissioned next day as a lieutenant in the Marine Corps with Navy wings. On that same day he married Shirley Tuohy in Corpus Christi. She was only 17 and needed her father’s permission to get married.
Jack served as a dive bomber pilot in the Pacific Theater during World War II, flying a number of missions.
After his discharge as a major in 1945, Jack returned to Helena to attend Carroll College. Taking advantage of the GI Bill, he attended law school at what’s now UM. He graduated from law school and was admitted to the state bar in 1949.
Jack began practicing law in Helena and built a successful trial law practice.
He attended meetings of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1116 in Helena. Veterans were angry that Montana failed to provide them with a bonus as other states had done for their World War II veterans. The state hadn’t done so because after World War I, the Montana Supreme Court had found these bonuses to be unconstitutional.
He and another lawyer came up with the idea of calling it an “honorarium” instead of a “bonus.” Veterans groups moved for an initiative imposing a two-cent tax on cigarettes sold to raise for $22 million for the honorarium for World War II veterans. Voters approved the proposal by a landslide, and it withstood a court challenge.
After being commander for the Helena VFW post, Jack became state VFW commander, then a regional commander, before moving through the chairs at the national VFW. He became the national commander in chief of the 1.3 million-member VFW in 1958-1959.
As national VFW commander, Jack worked with Montana’s congressional delegation to get a new veterans’ hospital built at Fort Harrison, west of Helena. He enlisted the help of his friend, Rep. Olen “Tiger” Teague, D-Texas, who chaired the committee overseeing the Veterans Administration funding. After Teague came to Fort Harrison for a visit, the VA reversed its position and later announced a new 160-bed hospital would be built at Fort Harrison, with $5.4 million allocated for the first phase.
As VFW commander in chief, Mahan choose to spend more time in Washington, D.C., to get to know senators and congressman to inform them about the problems faced by veterans and work with them to find solutions.
Throughout his career, Jack got to know Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford and worked with them on veterans’ issues.
U.S. Sen. Mike Mansfield, D-Mont., once said, “John W. Mahan has done more for the veterans of Montana and the nation than any other man I know.”
After his time as VFW national commander ended, Jack returned to Helena to practice law. At age 36, he ran for the U.S. Senate but lost in the Democratic primary election.
Later that year, he was appointed national chairman of the Veterans for Kennedy presidential campaign committee in 1960. Four years later, he headed the national Veterans for Johnson committee.
Jack turned down an appointment by President Kennedy to be an assistant secretary of the Navy. In September 1965, he accepted President Johnson’s appointment to the national Subversive Activities Control Board with the goal of “helping keep America clear of Communists and subversive elements.” And, The Mahan family moved to Arlington, Va.
In December 1965, Johnson appointed Jack as chairman of the board, and President Nixon later reappointed him chairman.
After the board ended in the fall of 1973, Nixon appointed Jack to some top jobs in the Veterans Administration. He eventually became undersecretary to the VA Memorial Services and director of the national cemetery system, overseeing a major expansion of the national system and the creation of state veterans’ cemeteries.
When that job ended in 1978, Jack and Shirley Mahan returned to Helena where he resumed his law practice. She died on March 30, 2002.
Jack was a great host, always interested in others as he entertained family and friends with stories about his life and his views on the issues of the day.
He is survived by his daughter, Kim, and her husband, John Dunham, of Siloam Springs, AR, and their two daughters, Bartley and Kara; his daughter, Shelley, and her husband, Carter Picotte, of Helena; his daughter Bartley and her husband, Bill Aanenson, of Issaquah, WA, and their three children, Justin, Rebecca and Michelle; and his son, Dr. John and his wife, Leslie, Mahan, and their three children, Kristen, Jaren and Kylie. He also is survived by 11 great grandchildren.
Other survivors include: his sister-in-law, Jane, and her husband, Gene Thayer, of Great Falls, and four nieces and one nephew.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Mahan; his father, John W. Mahan Sr., and mother, Iola Mahan, and his sister, Lucille Foot; and brother, Tom Mahan; and their spouses.
The family offers special thanks to Brenda Thompson, his personal caregiver, for the past two and one-half years and all his special friends that visited him and encouraged him. Also, thanks to Dr. Pincomb and the wonderful nurses and staff at St. Peter’s dialysis unit, Dr. Weiner and his excellent staff.
There will be a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 7 at Saint Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral; 511 Park Ave. where Jack was a long time member. Rite of committal will take place in the columbarium wall outside of Saint Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral. A reception will immediately follow the services at the Montana Club; 24 West 6th Ave. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Montana Military Museum, P.O. Box 125, Fort Harrison, MT 59636-0125. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family condolences.
ill be announced when known.
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Al Cantu says
Our prayers and condolences to the Mahan family.
Al Cantu
National Council Member Texasnwwy
Barry Hirshbein says
Jack was a true patriot. His passing is a great loss to his family, community, the VFW and our nation.
God rest his soul and give his family the strength to carry on.
Barry Hirshbein
Past Department Commander
Saipan
Pacific Areas
Ben & Anita Acohido says
On behalf of Hawaii’s VFW comrades and LA VFW sisters, we send our condolences to Cdr John’s familY … Aloha!
Ben Acohido, State VFW Cdr. and Anita Loando-Acohido, State LA VFW President
Bev (Brown) Roope says
The the Mahan children, I Have many memories of living next to your family home on Madison Ave many years ago. I have seen Jack off and on throughout the years and he always had a kind word and a smile. I also have memories of your grandmother and time spent having treats and looking at all of her treasures. My thoughts are with your family.
Bill and Cathie Coffman says
To all of you in Jack’s family: It is with real sadness that I read of Jack’s death this Fourth of July but also joy at having been part of the family that produced him. Even though we didn’t live in the vacinity and really only occasionally got to visit, I remember him as a very important influence in how I thought about life and service. I was proud of the important public life he lived. But even more, I was glad for the integrity and love expressed in his private life. There was great consistency in him. He seemed always to be so calm while being passionate about his causes.
So please accept my deepest care for you all in this time of loss as we with gratitude commend this servant to God. Our lives and our communities are richer for Jack’s presence.
Yours,
Bill Coffman
BRYAN BATULIS says
As the La State Surgeon, I will keep you in my prayers.
Doug Larson says
Sorry for your loss
VFW Post 1481
George & Linda Cramer says
We are saddened to learn of the passing of a true Veterans’ Veteran who was a very devoted family man and a great friend of the veteran community. He will be laid to rest, but let us cherish his virtues and learn to imitate them. Please accept our deepest sympathy on the passing of your father, grandfather & great grandfather.
Most of us have to confront the loss of loved ones during our lifetime.
However, it is never easy when the time arrives. It is an occasion for moving memories of growing up and of all the things loved ones have done for us. It also serves as a reminder of our own mortality; bringing
our lives into perspective in a way that few other things can.
We hope you will turn your thoughts to the good times you shared with Jack, and remember that he is now resting in a better place.
Our prayers & thoughts are with your family during this difficult time.
Helen Richter says
To the Mahan family,
I was sorry to learn that John passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Sincerely,
Helen Richter
James Lorenzo says
May you rest at the side of our lord and may the angels watch over your family and friends. Rest Easy Marine, you have stood your watch. God Bless
Jim Phillips says
My condolences to the Mahan family. I have many fond memories of Jack.
John and Ingrid Johnson says
Dr. Mahan, we were saddened to hear of your dad’s death but happy to read of his amazing life. What an incredible father and role model for you and your family. Thinking of you at this time of immense loss. We also think of you far more than you realize and sure miss having you in Great Falls, too. We will always be indebted to you for your wonderful care for both of us.
Ken Dunham & Janelle Fallan says
Our prayers are with Jack’s entire family.
Michael Mahan Lawlor says
Uncle Jack, we will miss you.
Michael Oseth says
I want Jack’s family to know that they are in my thoughts and prayers.
mike and Cynthia Richey post 9990 says
We own a small ranch in columbus and are sadden by the loss.
Norbert K. Enos&Gerri D. Enos says
Our Aloha to Jack and his Family.Jack used to tell me of his experiences in Hawaii.
I met him through Tom Polliott. Jack supported me in my VFW efforts. He will be missed by not only me but all that adored him. He was my Hero and dear friend!Norbert & Gerri Enos.
VFW & LA Dept.Hawaii
Past Commander in Chief Paul Spera says
Always a gentleman, Jack epitomized the veterans of his era. His caring concern for his fellow veterans endeared him to us all. He will be sorely missed and long remembered.
Past Commander-in-Chief George Lisicki says
My condolences to the Mahan Family. We lost a Great man, a Great American and a Great Leader. John will be missed by all of us.
Past State Commander, N.Y. Melvin Garrett says
We will miss your smiling face and your professional leadership.It was an honor to have known you through the years. God Bless The Family. Melvin and Albertha Garrett, Orange Park, Fl
Patricia Scott (Pouliot) says
I am deeply sorry about the loss of John. I was John’s legal secretary for a few years, working from my home while staying home raising my children. He was such an enjoyable boss to work for, but more than that, my friend. I have moved to Utah, but while here in Helena on vacation, my brother, Tom, always brought me to visit John at his home. I loved to listen to all his stories about his world travels, where he’d been, what he did, and all the important people he had met. He lived a full life and will be sorely missed. I prayed for him daily and continue to pray for his soul and his grieving family. John is with Jesus now, and pain free. God Bless, Patty
Ron and Sally Linebarger says
I remember Jack well from our family trips to Helena when I was just a kid. He had such a big heart for service to his country and other people, that even an elementary school age kid like me could see it. His life story says that he continued with that passion throughout his life. I am honored to have known him. I send deep sympathies to Jack’s family.
Sincerely,
Sally Linebarger
Thomas R Lussier, NCM says
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal!
Tonna Strasko says
When Jack came to the courthouse for attorney business, he came with a smile and left us with a smile.
What a kind man.
You are in our prayers.
Tonna Strasko
VFWPOST 3280 says
SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF YOUR LOVED ONE. OUR HEARTS GO OUT TO ALL FAMILY MEMBERS AND CLOSE FRIENDS.
JOHN FONDRICK, COMMANDER
POST 3280
Wendy Gough Haley says
Dear cousin Jack’s family,
I signed the Guestbook on Friday, but don’t see my entry now, so here goes again:
I would REALLY have loved to be with y’all at the service and following reception, but just couldn’t make it happen on such short notice. It was so fun when so many of the family came to Seattle in 2000 when Mom (Jane) passed away.
How appropriate that such a patriot passed into the arms of his Savior on July 4. Wow! And what a great celebration of a great man’s life it must have been on Saturday.
I hope to get to Montana later this summer, hope to see y’all.
Blessings,
Wendy
Robert P. Morris says
Jack’s dad and my dad (Colonel James M. Morris) were life long friends. Our last visit with Johnny and Iola Mahan was at West Point Point for Tom Mahan’s graduation in June 1946. My brother, Jack Morris was a West Point classmate!