News

“Thriving under the tutelage of many of the giants of our Fraternity, Brother McMahon has spent his lifetime paying it forward by serving and leading Theta Chi throughout California and at the International level. Collegiate and alumnus brothers have enjoyed his quick wit and benefitted from his thoughtful wisdom... His prudent mentorship of future generations and his passionate work to develop the Theta Chi Archives have preserved the history and Spirit of Theta Chi.”

Brothers throughout the Fraternity wrote in to celebrate Jim and his achievement. 

From the International Headquarters staff:

“Jim and I had heard of each other over the years, but never met until Convention in Las Vegas in 2018. Due to our shared experiences working for IHQ and knowing Howard Alter, it was like we weren’t meeting for the first time, but instead were meeting up again after a year apart. Since that first meeting, I have had the pleasure of several in-person meetings with Jimbo. Each one brings with it joy, laughter, and brotherhood.” – Director of Education Jimmy Cox

“Legends report that a young Jim McMahon once asked Howard Alter if there were qualities that he did not like or appreciate in a Field Representative. Howard tersely replied, ‘Beards,’ and Jimbo has not been clean-shaven ever since. A key figure in Southern California (and a mainstay within Mabel’s ‘mix-up’ files), James J. McMahon took his facial hair and limited talents on the road as a staff member and volunteer while remaining a committed husband to his beloved Lynnette and translator for his roommate, one Rossovitch A. Nash (Zeta Epsilon/Long Beach State 1980). Roasting the Alter of Theta Chi during his retirement and spearheading efforts to immortalize Ross Nash are only two of his first steps in securing Theta Chi’s factual and fictitious history for the brothers yet to come. If Dave DeVol had a plan, if Don Fine called from San Diego, if Herb Morgan had a scheme, if Warren Hoffman needed correcting, if Bryan Holcomb had a prescription – Jimbo, ever the optimistic fool, was there, to be as useful as his usefulness allowed. And we are so much the better for it. Here’s to a man who’d give up his salary to have just one more night with Howard, Dale, and the gang at Crecco’s. We love you Jimbo, wherever you are.” – Editor-in-Chief Ben Hill

"Jimbo, or as he prefers, ‘one of Dale’s boys,’ arrived with myself and Taylor Dahlem in San Diego for an expansion presentation at CSU-San Marcos, for a diverse group of 30 men who wanted to be recognized by their school and wanted to start a chapter of Theta Chi. He took the stage as an alumnus adviser, spoke with us to a group of skeptical students, and bid us goodbye at the airport. Unfortunately, as we expected, the school denied the group recognition, despite our efforts and the will of its students. When I called to let him know, Jimbo muttered an expletive and said, ‘Let’s do it anyway.’ And we did. Despite his California roots, Jimbo is a staunch capitalist, and his support for Theta Chi and its American values is unwavering. Theta Chi is all the better for it.” – Chief Operating Officer Ray Vanlanot

“I discovered why Jim volunteers: He loves to post a picture of his Jameson glass at the airport when going to Theta Chi events. I assume he has Polaroids for the pre-social media/digital picture days. Congrats Jimbo!” – Chief Development Officer John Berghoff

“A true leader within our Fraternity for generations, Brother McMahon embodies Theta Chi’s traditions and ideals in everything he does. He is an outstanding example for all Theta Chis, collegians and alumni, to model their service after.” – Chief Executive Officer Mike Mayer

From fellow volunteers:

“Brother McMahon has dedicated a huge portion of his life to Theta Chi–from his collegiate years to his present position of leadership on our Grand Chapter. I can think of no one more deserving of Theta Chi’s lifetime achievement award.” – Past International President, Past Foundation Chapter President, and Past NHC President Pat O’Connor (Chi/Auburn 1978)

“I served with Jimbo for four years as he assumed the role of International Historian of our great Fraternity. Nobody is as laser-focused on the traditions and ideals as Jimbo. Congratulations to Jimbo, from a Fraternity made better by his membership!” – Past International President Creig Andreasen (Alpha Pi/Minnesota 1990)

“Congratulations to Brother McMahon, he always strives to make our Fraternity better and stronger while remaining true to our traditions and ideas. That said, I hope we never approve official Big Soxy footwear. Well deserved!” – Past International President Doug Allen (Delta Beta/Georgia 1990)

“Jimbo has more institutional knowledge of Theta Chi than anyone else I know, and he uses it in such a wise way. He is able to tell younger brothers about our past without getting stuck in it. I think Jimbo has been a fantastic International Historian. I deeply admire his passion for Theta Chi and his humility. I laugh a lot when I am with Jimbo. What more could one ask for?” – Past International President Joseph Couch (Chi/Auburn 1996)

“I first met Jim nearly 50 years ago at a regional conference in California when he was a collegiate brother at Long Beach State. Jim and I were in a very small group of people who could ‘kid’ and call out Howard…Jim was truly one of Howard’s favorite Field Men. Howard would often say to me, “You and McMahon really cause me to question myself as to how in the world did we come to hire you two!???” It was always said as an endearing compliment…which were fairly rare with Howard. CONGRATULATIONS JIM…WELL EARNED AND WELL DESERVED!!!” – Past International President Dick Elder (Gamma Theta/San Diego State 1971)

“Jimbo is the perfect example of a lifelong volunteer. I’m pretty sure he was volunteering before I was even born! But in all seriousness, what an incredible leader. During my term as International President, I asked Jim to review many of our historical documents, memorabilia, jewelry, and the Fraternity museum. His deep historical knowledge and dedication to Theta Chi made him the best person for the job, and he approached it with the same passion he brings to everything he does for the Fraternity. Jimbo, I was so excited to hear you were selected to receive the Distinguished Service Award. I can think of no one more deserving of this honor. Thank you for your continued commitment and for setting an example for all of us on what it means to be a lifelong Theta Chi.” – Past International President Darick Brown (Eta Gamma/Morehead State 1989)

“Brother MAC-Man, as GTK called him, or more simply – ‘Jimbo.’ That simple word connotes energy, humor, and commitment to the Fraternity along with his epic and often disrespectful rapid-fire tongue in cheek commentary. Who else could hold the attention of a group of volunteers and former staff members with a series of one-liners about Howard R. Alter, Jr. and Mabel Oswaldt? Who else could deliver a telling imitation of George Kilavos that would leave the rest of us laughing no matter how many times we had seen it? For Jimbo, there were few topics that were off limits. His deadpan, spot-on mimicry of individuals and concepts or philosophies over the years have brightened many a discussion and contributed to the improvement of the brotherhood. And, he will always show up.” – Past International Vice President and past CEO Dave Westol (Beta Zeta/Michigan State 1973)

“Jim is so deserving of this honor. Working in the trenches for our Fraternity, Brother McMahon is a ‘volunteers volunteer.’ Commitment, follow through, and a great sense of humor. He is dedicated to our founding traditions and ideals, and he continues to motivate all of us to be better men and better brothers in Theta Chi.” – Past International Vice President Al Calarco (Eta Pi/East Stroudsburg 1978)

“I have known Jim for over 40 years and his lifelong service and devotion to Theta Chi is truly evident. From his collegiate days in California to Field Representative to Regional Counselor and ultimately to the Grand Chapter, Jim exemplifies what it means to be a Theta Chi for Life. Snaps to Brother Jim!” – Past International President Joe D’Amore (Eta Pi/East Stroudsburg 1977)

“Trustworthy, hardworking, stalwart, kind, gracious, Jim McMahon is man you can count on at any time. Jim once drove several hundred miles to help host a Theta Chi event in the little town of Davis, CA. ” – Past International Vice President Bill Palmer (Beta Alpha/UCLA 1985)

“Jimbo was my Theta Chi mentor and spiritual guide—by which I mean he taught me the power of Irish whiskey, great writing, and even better storytelling. Ten years my senior, he somehow packed the wisdom of Thatcher and the wit of Twain into one bourbon-loving, séance-hosting legend. He’s a dude’s dude and a true brother—nobody more deserving of this honor.” – Past Grand Chapter and Foundation Chapter board member Herb Morgan (Theta Iota/UC-Santa Cruz 1988)

“Jim McMahon has been a lifelong selfless servant of the Fraternity. I met Jim when we joined the Field Staff, way back in 1980. He's been involved with his local chapter and in the International Fraternity ever since I've known him. Despite his quirky, and most often oblique sense of humor, and his west coast origin, he is one of my closest fraternal friends and brothers.” – Past Foundation Chapter and NHC President Wes Wicker (Alpha Phi/Alabama 1979)

“Congratulations and best wishes!” – Past NBT/NHC board member Jerry Tahajian (Beta Upsilon/Fresno State 1963)

“I am not sure if he personifies California Cool, but he is one cool cat nonetheless.” – Past Theta Chi Funds President Bill Schuetze (Psi/Wisconsin 1969)

“Congratulations, Jimbo! For nearly 50 years your name has been synonymous with all that is best in Theta Chi. There is no one more deserving. Thank you for all you have done for our Fraternity!” – Past NHC President Joe Clack (Eta Sigma/Arkansas Tech 1980)

“Jimbo was always a great friend of Gamma Theta at San Diego State. Always there for a Helping Hand. His receiving the Distinguished Service Award is well deserved!” – Al Zale (Gamma Theta/San Diego State 1954)