December 9, 2024

EveryStep Hospice Team Honors 93-Year-Old Navy Veteran James Mahan

Navy veteran James Mahan was honored for his military service November 15 during a “pinning” ceremony arranged by the EveryStep Hospice team in Mount Ayr. Family, EveryStep staff and veteran volunteers gathered in 93-year-old James’ home in Leon, where he is receiving care from EveryStep Hospice.

James grew up in Mount Ayr and graduated from high school there. He served stateside from 1952 to 1954, completing his basic training at the U.S. Naval Station Great Lakes in Chicago with five high school buddies. He was then stationed at Barin Navy Base, a training center for U.S. Navy pilots located outside of Foley, Alabama. The center became a major facility for the Navy and served as an auxiliary training center for Pensacola Air Station in Florida.

James was a drummer in the Navy Band. “He played at Wrigley Field in Chicago,” says his son, Kevin Mahan. “He also played in parades in Des Moines.”

After leaving the service, James worked for Mahan Monument Co. in Mount Ayr and the State Fish Hatchery outside of Mount Ayr until being employed by Iowa Southern Utilities Company, which later went through corporate mergers and is now part of Alliant Energy. He has five children: Tom (Texas), Kevin (Creston), Shannon (Indiana), Bruce (Texas) and Sean (Corydon). James has been a member of the American Legion in Mount Ayr since 1954.

Kevin says the pinning ceremony was meaningful for his dad, especially since many members of the EveryStep Hospice team in Mount Ayr are longtime friends. “It was pretty neat — kind of a reunion. Dad pretty much knew everybody. It was quite a deal. They gave dad the pin and a star cut from a retired flag.” James was also presented with a quilt made and donated by the quilting group at Trinity Christian Church in Leon. “EveryStep has a very wonderful and caring team,” says Kevin. We’re so happy they are here to help us through this part of life.”

EveryStep Hospice volunteer coordinator for the Mount Ayr team, Angi Dodge, says most people in the area know James. “Jim is a family friend whom my parents spent countless hours with having fun. He is one of the funniest, most positive, outstanding men I have ever met. Everybody loves Jim. He has always been a fun loving, smiling, joking, wonderful man to all.”

EveryStep’s veteran pinning ceremonies provide honor, dignity and recognition to veterans at the end of their lives. Pinning ceremonies are celebratory events that include the Pledge of Allegiance, the awarding of a veteran service flag pin, the singing of “God Bless America,” a reading of "What is a Veteran," and the presentation of a certificate of recognition.

EveryStep is a nonprofit health care organization and through its hospice program, offers several specialized services for veterans. EveryStep’s Veteran-to-Veteran program is a special service pairing veterans who are volunteers with hospice patients who have served our country. A specialized Veteran-to-Veteran volunteer can provide companionship while talking, reading and sitting with patients. Veterans bring a unique skill set to help patients find peace at the end of life.

If you are a veteran interested in volunteering your time to visit hospice patients, learn more or complete a volunteer application at www.everystep.org/volunteer. To learn more about EveryStep Hospice, click here.

If you or someone you know needs care or support, complete the confidential "Find Care" form here. The form sends a message to EveryStep staff who then follow up with a phone call. It's a great way to start a conversation and get answers with no cost or commitment.