James B. "Mike" Mahan III passed away peacefully at home on January 23, 2022 after a tough 3-year battle with esophageal cancer.  Born in Lebanon, Indiana (July 27, 1943), he grew up in Brownsburg Indiana and graduated from Purdue University during the height of the Vietnam War.  To avoid being drafted into the Army, he enlisted in the Air Force and served until he was able to attend Officer Training School (OTS) and pilot training.  After getting his wings, he flew F-4s in Vietnam.  He also was an instructor pilot in T-38s, and flew C-141s and T-39s.     He met his wife, Barbara Hunter, who was also in the Air Force, when they were stationed in Lubbock, Texas, and they traveled the world for their assignments together.  The Air Force sent them to Texas, Washington, Illinois, Virginia, Turkey, and England.  They were married for nearly 42 years.  Mike retired after 20 years of service in the Air Force and spent the next 12 years following Barbara on her assignments, raising their kids and working in various jobs at each assignment – as a teacher, school guidance counselor, and finally, his favorite, as a golf teaching pro.

When they were ready to settle down for retirement, they moved to Myrtle Beach and never regretted the decision to leave the Washington DC area.  Mike had two new loves in his last years: RV'ing and riding his Harley.  He did both as often as possible.

Mike is survived by his wife, his son James B. Mahan IV (Holly) of Woodbridge, VA and daughter Sarah Speakmon (Mike) of Myrtle Beach.  He was also the grandpa with deep pockets and even deeper love for his granddaughter, Kallie Speakmon and grandson Jacob Mahan.  He is also survived by his nieces and nephews who he was incredibly proud of and loved to pieces – Erika Wynne, Kristen Ashley, Gib Moutaw and Randy Tipmore Jr.

A private memorial service will be held in Myrtle Beach, and later, internment will occur at Arlington National Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Cancer Research Institute so that someday this disease can be cured.