Jimmie F. “Jim” Mahan, 85 of Westville, IN, passed away Thursday, April 9, 2026. He was born February 19, 1941, in Beech Creek, KY, to the late Waymon and Madeline (Smith) Mahan. Jim attended Morton High School in Hammond, Class of 1960, and later received an associate’s degree in management. Jim proudly served in the United States Army as a mechanic, and earned the good conduct medal and expert rifle badge. He began his career with Artim Transportation Systems in Hammond, where he served as the supervisor of maintenance for over 25 years. Concurrently, Jim was also a founding member of the Calumet Maintenance Council. He later became the supervisor of housekeeping and general maintenance with the Franciscan Health network, and managed 5 clinics.
Jim was a longtime Boy Scout Leader and Scout Master as his sons were growing up. In his free time, Jim enjoyed going fishing, working on cars, and watching NASCAR races. He was also a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Otis. Jim was a friend to everyone he met, with a fun sense of humor and loving personality. He will be faithfully remembered as a devoted and caring husband, father, and grandfather. Jim will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
On April 23, 1966, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Hammond, Jim married the love of his life, Cecilia Kozubal, who survives, along with their children: James (Anna) Mahan of Chesterton, Robert (Sonia) Mahan of St. Augustine, FL, and Annemarie Moen of Valparaiso; grandchildren: Meghan (Nathan) Hoffman, Teresa (Joshua) Gale, Ashley Leouses, Kirsten Leouses, Tyler Mahan, Madeline Mahan, Sarah Samanamud, Hannah Samanamud, Peyton Moen, Sofia Moen, Erica Mattson, and Emily (Nicholas) Pittinger; and 5 great grandchildren and 2 on the way. He was preceded in death by his sister, Patty Joy Burditt.
A visitation will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Road, Valparaiso, IN, with a prayer service beginning at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 204 N. Ohio Street, Wanatah, IN, with burial to follow at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, Schererville, IN. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
GUESTBOOK
Jim and Ceil were our wonderful neighbors in Westville for many memorable years. Our children …and dogs…were frequent visitors up the hill to the Mahan’s. Jim and Steve were collaborators for household projects, giving them a “good look” together. When Steve passed, Jim came to our rescue with the generosity of his vast knowledge. He was a good man. We were blessed to call him friend. Big hugs to Ceil and all of the Mahan family. Fly high with the angels, Neighbor! -Hilarie Crews
My prayers, sympathies and condolences to Jim’s family. I had the privilege of working with Jim - as I was director at one of clinics at Franciscan. He was always kind, thoughtful and responsive while bringing his positive attitude and presence -which I so appreciated. My prayers will be for peace for him and his family. -Sharon Sporman
My papa was the best man, he was always right there with us grandkids while we were getting into trouble! He taught all of us how to be kind, loving, humble, and so much more! I am forever blessed to be your granddaughter papa! I love you.-Teresa Gale
This is a wonderful picture, and a thoughtful write-up for my Uncle, Jim. He was always incredibly kind and always made our childhood Kozubal, Mahan, and Pavelka family parties so much fun. He always made me feel welcome in his home and his family. My heart breaks for my cousins Jim, Bob, and Annemarie, but most of all for my sweet Aunt, Cecilia. As someone who knows this pain, I wish my family relief, healing, and comfort, for Uncle Jim is in paradise fishing with my dad, among many others! -Justin Kozubal
Ten years ago “Jim” my Father-in-Law welcomed me and my two daughters into his life with open arms from the very beginning. Though we were not connected by blood, he chose to love us as his own, and that love was constant, genuine, and full of kindness. I lost my father at a young age, but I was so fortunate that, in time, Jim gave me the greatest gift—I was able to call him Dad. My daughters and I are deeply grateful for the care, warmth, and acceptance he gave us. He made us feel like family in every sense of the word, and that is a gift we will carry in our hearts forever. His love and legacy will continue to live on in us, and we will always remember him with gratitude and love. He was the best father-in-Law for me and best Papa for my girls. Our deepest condolences to the whole family, we’re praying for everyone at this difficult time. -Sonia Mahan
