Harford County's own "Capt'n Jim" McMahan has passed away.
He passed away April 14.
WMAR-2 News featured Capt'n Jim back in January. He spent 31 years in the Army. "The definition of a veteran is someone who at some time in their life raised their hand, at the same time writing a blank check payable to the USA up to and including their life. That’s a veteran and I love every one of them," Capt'n Jim McMahan told WMAR-2 News Erin MacPherson earlier this year.
After retiring from the Army, service remained in his plans and in 2015 he went to Harford County Executive Barry Glassman and asked to reorganize the Veterans Commission.
Along with advocating for veterans Capt'n Jim hosted a radio show, for nearly 30 years, on WVOB and WAMB with Bob Callahan. He was named a Harford Living Treasure at the County Council meeting on January 5th.
Harford County Executive Barry Glassman issued the following statement on the passing of the former County Councilman:
“Capt’n Jim brought great passion to everything he did as a public servant and I will always be grateful to him for revitalizing our veterans affairs commission. In his honor I plan to send legislation to the County Council renaming it the James V. “Capt’n Jim” McMahan Commission on Veterans Affairs. On behalf of the many lives he touched, I have ordered the Harford County flag lowered in his memory as we send blessings for his family and friends.”
The Harford County flag will fly at half-staff from sunrise on April 30 through sunset on May 2, 2021 to coincide with his memorial services.