William J. Mawhinney

Today we mourn the passing of yet another of ?America?s Greatest Generation?. On Saturday, March 15, 2003, William James (Jim) Mawhinney 84, was called home to the Kingdom of Jesus Christ after a long struggle with cancer and Alzheimer?s disease. ?Gentleman Jim? had a kind and gentle spirit and was deeply loved and trusted by his many family, friends, and business associates. His devotion to family, church, community, and strong work ethic was the focus of his lifetime presence in St. Joseph. Jim became known to many as the ?Ice Cream Man?, and to others as the ? Insurance Man?. Either way, he was always known to serve those around him, and made their lives a little better for having done so. His easy smile and love of laughter brought him affection from all those he touched. Jim was born in St. Joseph to Thomas and Elizabeth Mawhinney on September 23, 1918. He graduated from St. Joseph High School, where he was an accomplished 3-letter athlete in Football, Basketball and Track. He went on to attend Shurtleff College in Alton, Illinois until his enlistment in the U. S. Navy on December15th, 1941. He served in North Africa and in Italy during the great struggle of World War II. In June of 1940, he married Natalie Jean Archer. Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy, he returned home to St. Joseph to raise his family and to take over the family business. The Mawhinney Ice Cream Co. dated back to 1935 when Jim?s father opened a small ice cream and soda bar on Pleasant St. in downtown St. Joseph. Jim and his brother Tom purchased the business in 1946 after their discharge from military service. Together they expanded the business to include ice cream manufacturing and distribution to local stores throughout the area. They opened three additional restaurant locations in Benton harbor and Coloma. Many local people still have fond memories of a hamburger and a milkshake at Mawhinney?s, after a movie at the old Caldwell Theatre, or the high School game. Jim?s sister Melva, and her husband Russell Vernon, owned and operated the Dellwood Restaurant on Paw Paw Lake during the 40?s and 50?s. The Dellwood is still in operation today. After closing the Ice cream business in 1960, Jim?s sincere desire to serve others was put to use as a career Charter Life Underwriter with the Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. of New York. Jim?s guidance helped many local families and businesses to protect their financial well being, through various insurance and investment products. He retired from Metropolitan in 1985. Jim was an active member of The First Congregational Church in St. Joseph, the St. Joseph Kiwanis Club, the National and Local Association of Life Underwriters, and the American Society of Chartered Life Underwriters. He gave freely of his time and energy and was humble in his regard for those less fortunate than he. Jim was proceeded in death by his wife, Natalie Jean in 1985, his sister Melva, his two brothers Thomas and John Clinton, and his parents. He is survived by his four children, Dr. V. Thomas Mawhinney (Sally) of South Bend, Indiana, Debbie Zellers, (Tom) of St. Joseph, Mark Mawhinney (Linda) of St. Joseph, and Jana Martin (Pete) of Holland Michigan. He is also survived by his 9 Grandchildren, Sean, Brian, Jim and Kelly Mawhinney, Carrie and Jenny Zellers, Amy Wells, and Chad and Heath Martin. Jim was also blessed with 4 great-grand children. Visitation will be at Starks and Menchinger Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd, St. Joseph on Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the First Congregational Church, Niles Ave. in St. Joseph, on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. Military rites will be conducted by Coloma American Legion #362, Watervliet VFW #6803 and Benton Harbor VFW #1137 at Riverview Cemetery; followed by a luncheon at the church. Memorial offerings may go to The First Congregational Church or the Alzheimer?s Research Fund. Friends wishing to send a condolence message may do so at the family guestbook at www.starks-menchinger.com