Wilbur James "Jim" Mahony

Wilbur James (Jim) Mahony (age 95), Captain USN (Ret.), PhD, passed away in Clemson, SC on January 25, 2025.

A native of Denver, Colorado, Jim loved the outdoors and often went hiking, skiing, and camping in the Rocky Mountains. In 1943, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. Jim attended East Denver High School until enlisting in the Navy in 1946. He earned the enlisted qualification in submarines aboard the USS Tilefish (SS307) as a Second-Class Petty Officer (Electronic Technician). He entered the Naval Academy by fleet appointment and was the Midshipman First Regimental Commander and the Deputy Brigade Commander during his Senior year. After graduation in 1953, he was assigned to the attack carrier USS Boxer (CV21). During two years on board, he served as Division Officer for the Signal, Navigation and Auxiliary Machinery Divisions.

Jim earned a Master of Science degree in Naval Architecture at the Webb Institute of Naval Architecture, Glen Cove, NY in 1958. After Submarine School in New London, CT, he was qualified as an officer in submarines aboard the USS Pomodon (SS486) in 1961. He served in several Naval shipyards, The Naval Sea Systems Command, the Bureau of Naval Personnel, and on the staff of the Commander, Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet. Captain Mahony’s last active duty assignment was his favorite, Commander, Charleston Naval Shipyard, from 1978-1982. His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, with 2 stars, and the Legion-of-Merit.

After retiring from the Navy in 1982, he and Ruth moved to Clemson, SC and settled in their home on Lake Keowee in 1983. He earned a PhD in Industrial Management from Clemson University in 1988. He began a second career as a professor of Management at Southern Wesleyan University (SWU) in Central, SC. During his service at SWU, he was Chair of the Social Sciences Division for ten years. Dr. Mahony was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Erskine College and Seminary from 1992-1998. He also served on the Blue Ridge Council of the Boy Scouts of America as a member of the Executive Board and as Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Oconee-Clemson District Committee. In addition, Jim served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Clemson Area Retirement Center (CARC) for 9 years. He was the President of the Rotary Club of Clemson during the 1999-2000 Rotary year. Jim was an Elder and member at Clemson Presbyterian Church (PCA) where Ruth is also a member. In 2021, they moved to an independent living apartment at Clemson Downs. Above all, Jim loved the Lord Jesus Christ and his family which was so evident in his life.

Jim married the love of his life, Ruth Doris Suerig, in December 1953. The couple had three sons, Bob, Glenn, and Dave and added three daughters-in-law over the years: Robin, Martha and Judy. Grandchildren include Allison/(Tim Iori), Mark/(Dawn), Marion/(Zach Corontzes), Jeffrey/(Laura), Melinda/(Erik Ross), Ryan/(Katie Lane), Marisa/(Kenny Swab), Julia/(Patrick Phillips) and Davis. Great Grandchildren are Timmy and Sophie Iori, Maddie and Emma Corontzes, Luke, Will and Anna Ruth Mahony, Mathias, Caleb and Levi Mahony, Jamie and Brooks Ross, Madison Mahony, and Grayson, Callie and Lauren Swab.

Jim will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to:

Clemson Presbyterian Church, 346 Old Greenville Highway, Clemson, SC 29631

Southern Wesleyan University, 907 Wesleyan Drive, Central, SC 29630

Clemson Downs Volunteers, 500 Downs Loop, Clemson, SC 29631

Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home & Cremations, Central-Clemson Commons.