Obituary of James Mahoney

James Rodney Mahoney died peacefully in his home on August 29, 2013, from cardiac failure caused by obstructive lung disease. He was 70.He was born February 19,1943, in Brooklyn, New York, as the 8th of 9 children to Miriam Alverna Steinruck and Matthew Mahoney. He attended Vineland High School in New Jersey and in 1963 enlisted in the U.S. Army, Co. B, 2d ARB, 41st infantry, APO 35. He was a Marksman (Rifle M-14), 2d Class Gunner (M-60), deployed to Vietnam.He met Carolyne Sue Schooley when he was on leave in 1963. She was his first love and they married on Sept. 14, 1963. While he was stationed away, she became seriously ill, and he returned to be by her side. She died of cancer in November 1964. He re-enlisted shortly after her death and eventually was honorably discharged in 1966.He moved to Los Angeles in 1966 and met and fell in love there with Jill Marples Ball of Birmingham, England. She was his second love, and they remained together until her death on July 4, 1998.The couple moved in the 1970s to Eugene, Oregon, where he first worked for Scott and Sons Towing and then worked for the Eugene Airport maintenance for more than 30 years. He considered his Eugene Airport career to be one of his greatest achievements, and his co-workers there were among his closest friends. Those close friends knew that his gruff exterior hid a kind and generous soul who cared deeply about people, and also about his many cats. Because of his love of cats, any remembrances in his name can be donated to Greenhill Humane Society of Eugene.He was proud of his Brooklyn, New York, birthplace, and it was among his happiest times to travel back there with his daughter, Susan Kunkle, and best friend, Jorie Landers.He is survived by his daughter Susan Kunkle and son-in-law, Paul Kunkle, and his granddaughter, Rashelle Kunkle all of Eugene, Oregon. One sister Betty Jane of New Jersey and many nieces and nephews on the east coast.A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sept. 20 at Musgrove Family Center, 1152 Olive St., Eugene, Oregon. Those attending are invited to share memories and stories at the service. Arrangements entrusted to Musgrove Family Mortuary. Please access the obituary and you are invited to sign the guestbook at musgroves.com