Our Amazing. Youth worker, James McMahon a gentle giant always dressed in shorts, sporty T-shirt and a smile...Has suddenly passed away, leaving a cavernous hole in a huge community that spans two towns and many decades.
38 years Young. We are all numb. It is such a shock to everyone who knew James.
The YMCA will miss our brilliant youth worker. He has walked with troubled teenagers. Often a shining light in their sometimes dark lives. They all had an infinite respect for James. A man to look up to, one who accepted them for who they are. A family man with Christian values and a deep faith he was keen to share.
His devoted family, are committed Christians, with hearts to serve. They are well know among so many communities and different churches in Newbury and Hungerford. They have all volunteered in various places over many years.
James was passionate about sport, and loved encouraging youngsters to join in football, basketball..ping pong..He affirmed them, using sport to introduce them to Jesus. To help them make good choices in life.
He has touched hundreds of young hearts that will truly miss him. Many looked forward to his football sessions, recently before lockdown, and over many years.
James volunteered with the YMCA and became a board member, when Jane Sutton chaired the committee back in 2010. James soon set up coaching football in areas that needed some extra TLC. It was his enthusiastic heart that clinched him the job of full time youth worker when we advertised shortly afterwards.
Even in Covid times, him, his dad, David McMahon and the other volunteers met the youngsters outside Clayhill for an hour in the freezing cold, such are the heart of God’s servants Even though his mum and wife were shielding he had a sense of care, kept very strictly to the rules, and ministered to those young souls in great need of love and affirmation.
He was also a part time youth worker for St Lawrence’s Church in Hungerford. The youngsters there will also feel a huge void in their lives.
He worked alongside Joe with the young carers of Newbury and surrounding villages, providing a safe place to meet on a Thursday night, then on Zoom since our lives were changed through Covid.
He has worked with children in special schools, and for a few years in the middle of Newbury, at the Waterside. He was looking forward to going back there once the refurbishment was complete.
He has helped with COINS....in various schools.
He engaged with teenagers of all backgrounds and so many different characters with ease. He helped on the Bus of Hope. He is a legend.
Our favourite memories are of the annual football tournament James started. It was free to all teams, and was a fun, competitive yet friendly day. It will always be know as James’ inspiration. With a bbq, help from his dad and brother and many others it was always a resounding success. He always invited someone of faith to share part of their testimony, or an apt word from God. He chose his speakers well.
A faithful giant with an open heart to God’s leading. Passionate and patient, Humble and generous. Hard working...
He has been planting Jesus shape seeds in the hearts of hundreds of young people over so many years. We will pray those seeds will continue to be watered and they will grow. A legacy to his good works.
Our prayers are for his family. Their Faith is incredibly strong. They have a hope in Jesus and know James is in Heaven and one day they will be reunited. They are hoping that James untimely and sudden passing will be the beginning of something even bigger as a legacy to a son they were so very proud of. They are looking into setting up a trust for young people through sport, The James McMahon trust.
The football/family day will continue on in memory of James, and will be know as the James McMahon annual tournament.
His brave wife Jo, is in recovery from cancer. James was her rock alongside Jesus. He has looked after her and their two beautiful daughters through her long treatment. Jo inspired many of us on her journey with cancer, through Facebook, keeping us all uplifted. Her faith has been core to her recovery, and is the rock she is standing on now.
They have had Seven glorious years of marriage, in-spite of the cancer, soul mates for sure. A wonderful example of a strong Christian marriage and great parenting.
The YMCA are more than grateful for the many years of dedicated hard work of James to spread the love of Jesus. A great soul so big, that so many people knew and loved Will leave the biggest void in Newbury and Hungerford.
James made a huge difference to sooo many young lives that will stay in their hearts forever. We will miss him and all his hard work and hope to continue his legacy for a better future for our young people. We will Especially miss his smile, and huge heart. We thank God for James and his incredible family.
Comments
Post a Comment