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James "Butty" McMahon (31 May 1838 – 17 November 1914) was an Australian businessman.

Early life
McMahon was born on 31 May 1838 in County Clare, Ireland. He was the oldest son of Catherine (née Cunningham) and John McMahon, who worked as a labourer and carter. The family immigrated to Australia when he was nine years old, during the Irish Potato Famine. McMahon had "little education, if any". He began working as a baker's assistant at the age of 13, receiving seven shillings per week, and later worked for a wine and spirit merchant.

Business career
McMahon launched his own business as a young man by "buying a horse and harness and renting a dilapidated dray". His estate was sworn for probate at £236,325, however he reputedly had a net worth of £1 million. Two years after his death, his widow paid for the construction of a family vault at Rookwood Cemetery.

Personal life
McMahon married Mary Coyle, a housemaid born in County Fermanagh, Ireland, on 6 June 1864. The couple had six sons and one daughter, all of whom were employed in the family business. His son James Patrick McMahon served on the Sydney City Council and was president of the NRMA. McMahon's grandson William McMahon served as prime minister of Australia from 1971 to 1972.