James W. Mahar Sr., Oct 19, 1937-April 20, 2026

OLEAN — James W. Mahar Sr., 88, of Olean, passed away peacefully on Monday (April 20, 2026) at Olean General Hospital, surrounded by family members who were such an important part of his life.

Born Oct. 19, 1937, Jim grew up on Coleman Street in Olean, the second of Margaret and Francis Mahar Sr.’s nine children.

Work was an important part of Jim’s life from a young age, as he often shared stories of delivering newspapers to businesses on North Union Street as a young boy. While still a young kid, Jim also began working in the family grocery business, the F.J. Mahar Service Stores, which would be part of his life for the next 82 years.

Over those years, Jim worked almost every conceivable job that made up the grocery business: making early morning runs to buy produce and delivering goods to the company’s far-flung stores (which at times included locations such as Bolivar, Fillmore and Delevan); stocking shelves, running register, doing inventory and eventually managing stores in Portville and later Allegany.

Working first with his parents, and later alongside his wife and brothers, Jim helped oversee store expansions and renovations, recovery from a devastating flood in 1972, the opening of new store locations and eventually the closing of stores as a changing economy made it difficult for small, local businesses to remain competitive with national chains.

In later years, still believing in the important role that locally-owned businesses play in serving their communities, Jim helped his son, Jim Jr., purchase the Front Street location (now Jim’s Park & Shop) to prevent it from closing.

In addition to his years in the grocery business, Jim contributed to the community in many ways: serving in the National Guard, working as a Portville volunteer firefighter and EMT, helping to coach his children’s various baseball and basketball teams and donating to numerous local churches and charitable organizations.

Probably the best decision that Jim ever made was marrying Margaret “Marge” Toohey in 1964. Together, Jim and Marge would raise five kids, Jim, Mike, Dan, Pat and Mary. His love for his kids and pride in their accomplishments was unquestionable.

In later years, Jim became a proud “Poppy” to seven grandchildren, Jack, Tate, and Finn Mahar, and Margaret, Molly, Christina, and Erin Yoder. Even when hospitalized during his final days, Jim would perk up and smile at visits, phone calls, and gifts of artwork from his grandchildren.

He also enjoyed playing cards, both at casinos and with his friends at the Knights of Columbus in Allegany, and watching the Buffalo Bills.

Throughout his life, in whatever role he was serving, Jim always made others feel welcome and respected. Wherever Jim went, it seemed that everyone knew him (and it often seemed like everyone had worked for or with him at some point in their lives). No matter what he was doing. Jim would always take time to talk to people from all walks of life (even when five impatient kids were waiting in the station wagon after a long drive back from a family vacation to Delaware).

Even in his final weeks at the Pines and in the hospital, everyone seemed to know Jim, and he would always greet everyone and ask if he could do anything for them.

He is survived by his children, James Jr., Michael, Daniel, Patrick and Mary; and his cherished grandchildren, Jack, Finn, Tate, Maggie, Molly, Erin and Christina; along with many other family members and friends whose lives he touched.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Margaret; and his brothers Fran, John and Dan.

Family will receive friends from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday (April 23, 2026) at Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State St., Olean. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Friday (April 24, 2026) at St. John’s Church, 931 N. Union St., Olean. Burial will follow in St. Bonaventure Cemetery, Allegany.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be directed to PositiveRipples.org; BonaResponds; or the Parkinson Support Group of Olean.

Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com.