James Carl Mahon

James Carl Mahon (The Bear) passed away on December 9, 2024, in Roseville, CA. He was 87 years old.

Jim was born on September 21, 1937, to Walter G. Mahon and Marguerite Castro in Bakersfield, CA. He went to work for the Southern Pacific Railroad at the age of 15 by lying about his age. He was married to Nancy Mahon, mother of Vance and Diane. After his divorce he married Nola Overdiek. She brought two children to the marriage, Chuck and Cindy.

Jim’s first love was the Southern Pacific. He also loved fishing and hunting. He worked for the SP and UP Railroads for 40 years. While employed with the SP he began as a track laborer working his way up to Assistant Division Engineer. He was known for his successful rebuilding of the Great Salt Lake causeway. He was able to rebuild it in less time than predicted.  This project allowed many people to be able to go back to work. He was also known for snow removal on the tracks over Donner Pass. A video of his snow removal skills was made called “The Battle for Donner Pass.” He was known among the railroad workers as “The Bear.”  He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints.

Proceeded in death by his parents, Walter and Marguerite Mahon, and siblings Walter, Evelyn, Richard, and Vincent, and his daughter, Rebecca (Boo Bear). Survived by his wife, Nola, and siblings Barbara, Gary (Joy), Larry (Sandy), and Eugene. Survived by his children, Vance and Diane, stepchildren, Chuck and Cindy, five grandchildren, and thirteen great grandchildren.

There will be a funeral service in Jim’s honor on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 10:00 AM at the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (1255 Bell Road in Auburn, California).  Beginning at 9:00 AM and continuing until 9:45 there will be an informal reception where friends and family can visit.  All are welcome.  Price Funeral Chapel (916-725-2109), directors.

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