John 'Jack' Mahony, 74

Jack went to live with his Heavenly Father on Jan. 19, 2015. He died of heart failure. His family lost a very special man with his passing.

Jack was born in Philadelphia, Pa., on Sept. 30, 1940. John and Marie Mahony were his devoted parents. Jack graduated at the top of his class from Saint Joe's Preparatory High School in Philly. He served in the Army National Guard.

He retired from SmithKline Corporation (Pharmaceuticals) where he worked his way up to manager of office services. His career high was being asked by President Jimmy Carter in 1979 to be a member of the National Task Force on ridesharing (carpooling). Jack became the president of the National Association of Van Pool Operators. This gave him the opportunity to travel nationwide and speak about the value of ride sharing. After retiring, he went to work for Health Partners in Philadelphia.

Some of his happiest times were spent with his three children. In their early years, he coached Little League, and was a leader in Indian Guides and Indian Princesses. From a little tyke through adulthood his family vacations were spent at the shore in Ocean City, N.J.

Jack enjoyed classic car shows, good movies, collecting Hummel figurines, and thrift stores. His favorite sport teams were the Philadelphia Phillies, Philadelphia Eagles, Seattle Seahawks, and Gonzaga men's and women's basketball.

Jack was a wonderful and loving husband, father, grandpa, and brother. He was a kind, generous, and gentle man with a dry sense of humor.

In 2010, Jack and his wife, Maxine, moved from Mount Laurel, N.J., to Hayden, Idaho. Jack loved this beautiful quiet area. They traveled throughout the Northwest, as well as Ireland and Germany - they wanted to see the lands of their ancestors. Jack also enjoyed cruising warmer waters, and their cruise to Alaska.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, John and Marie Mahony; his loving and delightful daughter, Leanne; and his birth mother, Jayne Andersen.

Jack is survived by his wife, Maxine; son Stephen Mahony (Terri) of Petersburg, NJ, son Jon Mahony of Marmora, NJ, son-in-law Jim Craft of Seaville, N.J.; half-brother Lee Andersen (Mari) of Laguna Beach, Calif.; stepdaughter Jennifer McKay (Todd) of Dillon, Mont., stepson Jonathan (Yuko) of Tokyo, Japan; four sweet grandchildren: Ty, Kristen, Jordyn and Johnny; and numerous family and friends throughout the country. Jack will be forever loved and missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jack's name to the Alzheimer's Association at: www.alz.org.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21, at Saint Pius X Catholic Church, 625 E. Haycraft Ave., Coeur d'Alene, with Father Roger officiating. There will be a reception immediately following Mass.

Please visit Jack's memorial and guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.