James N. Maher passed away on November 23, 2016, after a long illness. Born in Columbia, December 29, 1937, he was the son of the late Margaret Forde Allen and Richard Thomas Maher. He was a graduate of Columbia High School, class of 1955 and attended the University of South Carolina.

In 1957, at the age of 20, Jim borrowed $100 and caught a Southern Railway train to New York City where he soon had a role in the musical FIORELLO. He pursued a career as a dancer, singer, and choreographer. He appeared in many Broadway shows, dance companies, and the Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center. Jim appeared in No No Nanette, Hello Dolly, Once Upon a Mattress, Juno, Oklahoma, and over 20 other productions. He also worked in movies, night clubs, television, and ballet. He later worked in retail, designing and setting up displays for Brooks Brothers, Ohrbachs, and others. He was an inveterate collector and a skilled raconteur.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Maher was predeceased by his brother, Richard Maher, Jr. He is survived by his cousin, Edward C. Roberts and his wife, Beverly, by devoted friends Virginia and Bronson Smith, Sara Pawlikowski, Robert FitzSimons, many cousins, and other dear friends around the world. He received excellent care from Brenda and Dale Brown of Arista Hospice and his friends at Summers Landing of Polo Rd.

Memorials may be made to Dancers Over 40, P.O. Box 2103, NY,NY, 10101, or the USC School of Music Opera program.

There will be a Gathering of Friends from 5 until 7 o'clock, Thursday, December 8th at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia.