Jess McMahon (Roderick James McMahon) was born in New York City, New York. His parents were hotel owner Roderick McMahon (1848–1922) and Elizabeth McMahon (1846–1936), from County Galway. His parents had recently moved from Ireland to New York City.

Vincent J. McMahon (Vincent James McMahon) was born in Harlem, New York. His father is professional wrestling promoter Jess McMahon and his mother is Rose Davis.

Jess McMahon (Roderick James McMahon) died of a cerebral hemorrhage at the age of 72 at a hospital in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.