James Donovan "Don" Mahan, 82, of McCaysville, Georgia, passed away on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, in Jasper, Georgia.

Born on November 21, 1943, in Ducktown, Tennessee, he was the son of the late Julius Boston "J.B." Mahan Jr. and Juanita Edith Trantham Mahan. Don's family was the center of his life, and he treasured every opportunity to spend time with them.

He was a devoted father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.


Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Carol "Elaine" Bice Mahan; brother, Phil Mahan; brother-in-laws, Charlie Ballew, Carl Wilson, Archie Bice, and Lloyd Bice ; and sister-in-laws, Shirley Mahan and Wanda Mahan.


Don is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Mike Weaver; grandchildren, Matt (Haley) Weaver, and Haley (Jacob) Smith; great-grandchildren, A.J. Smith, Benton Weaver, Brody Smith, Pearson Weaver, and Callon Weaver; siblings, Linda Ballew, Gary Mahan, and Pam Wilson; aunt, Rachel Findley; sister-in-laws, Patty Bice Pickelsimer (Ernest) and Elizabeth "Liz" Bice; special friend, Sherry Clark; many nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and dear friends.


Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. from the Akins-Cobb Blue Ridge Chapel with Dr. Joel Kailing and Rev. G.W. Mathis officiating. Eulogy was provided by Matt Weaver. Music was provided by Jerrie Sue Massengale, Haley Smith, Liz Bice, Diana Odom, Mike Weaver, and Matt Weaver. Interment followed in the Copper Ridge Memory Gardens with the following serving as pallbearers: Kenneth McHan, Mark McHan, David Bice, Matt Weaver, Jacob Smith, and Noah Land. The family visited with friends at the Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations of Blue Ridge, Georgia on Monday evening, June 22, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.


The family would like to extend a special thank you to Pruitt Home Health and other health care providers that provided wonderful and loving care.


Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.akinscobb.com


Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations of Blue Ridge, GA was in charge of these arrangements.