EULOGY by his sister; Kathy James Patrick Mullins April 3, 1952-June 28,1997

"My brother Jumbo, James, Jim or Jimmy to you- He was extraordinarily intelligent, gifted with a quick wit and easy under-standing. Although this was sometimes not a blessing, since he was all too aware of the times he fell short of reaching achievements he knew he was capable of, it was a source of pride to both Jim and his family. He was very kind-hearted and generous, always ready to run to the rescue. If you were in trouble and asked Jim for help, he would not only not turn away, but he'd rack his brain for solutions to your problem. If you merely needed physical help, he'd not only volunteer his services, but he'd be sure to line up others to help out as well. He was always fun loving, enjoying the role of host to the fullest. Whether you were a long-time loved one or a newly met friend, Jim's home was always open. If there was a bachelor party, reunion or other party to be arranged, Jim would be in the thick of things, planning and executing the event to the smallest detail. He was a romantic. I believe he loved his friends and family dearly and tried to let us know it. In my experience, he always welcomed friendship when offered and was never one to hold a grudge. Race, age, religion and gender didn't concern Jim when he chose a friend. Loyalty, honor and humor were most important. He was chivalrous toward all women, perhaps overly so, and kind toward children, pets and animals. Except when riled up, you could always count on Jim to be courteous and kind. Deliberate cruelty just wasn't in his nature. In short, Jim was an idealist. Unfortunately, in applying his own ideals toward himself, he was too often a perfectionist. Perhaps in comparing his own life with his ideals, he was guaranteed to fall short. Still he always strove to stay true to these ideals. We will never know what actually happened that night. Whether a result of disappointments, bitterness and regrets or simple carelessness, I for one ask of his family and friends that we understand and forgive. He has left a giant hole in the fabric of our lives. Yet, we can now always remember him as he was, a vibrant man in the prime of his life. I along with you will always love him and miss him terribly."

Plankowners; Jim Mullins, Mark Reiley and John Stroud

A day in the Life of Jim and I on the Atlanta Late 1981, I was assigned to the USS Atlanta SSN 712 Pre-Commissioning unit. Ship was recently launched, so crew was assigned office space. Shortly after arrival I was the Radio space nursing a hangover, a guy walked in, he was looking rather haggard himself, and he reminded me of Dick Van Dyke. He conversed with a fellow Radioman, speaking about night of carousing; he now had some regret due to monstrous hangover. He introduced himself as Jim Mullins; we had an immediate bond of commonality; Drinking and hangovers. Jim was about 29 at the time, but looked younger, I was late 23. Our dramatically opposing backgrounds should have precluded any possible friendship, but this turned out to be an enhancement. Jim- from New York, upper class Me- from Louisiana, lower middle class Jim thought that I lived in the swamps, in a shotgun shack, floorboards so wide you could see the chickens underneath, this was further enforced by his viewing the movie; "Southern Comfort". Initially he would look at me with pity in his eyes and ask; "How can you live like that?" I explained that we had interstate highways and that I lived on dry land, not a swamp. His reaction was one of empathetic doubt. I had my own mental picture of New Yorkers. Once after drinking most of a bottle of whiskey, I decided Jim was most likely in need of company. Drove down the street via Orange Volkswagen Camper Van to Jim's place. His apartment was filled with New York immigrants, wasn't sure if I'd fit in. As I was now in final stages of alcohol poisoning, I jumped into conversation. My input consisted of "Bring me a Bee-r over hee-r". Think I made other statements, but don't recall. However immigrants and Jim seemed to enjoy. Jim was having a 67 thunder bird restored by one of the Chiefs from the ship, so for time being Jim was without transport. I soon became Jim's best friend with collateral chauffeuring duties. I was taking Jim all over; stores, restaurants and to see progress of his car. Having a drinking habit to support, this left me with very little "fund age", so purchasing gasoline was a luxury. I'd ask Jim to chip in cause I only had 2 dollars to contribute to gas tank. Jim said, I will pay you back when my car is finished, so don't sweat the small stuff.

Jim's T-Bird(thats ET2(SS) Burt Furr on the side)

Jim pays his debts... Eternity passes, Jim's car is now finished with restoration, and my van is just finished. We met after work one day, he picked me up, final destination- Chi Chi's. Upon completion of eats and consumption of 7 margaritas each, we departed into the rainy night. While Jim drove, I smoked, moments later I committed a horrendous offense that almost tore apart our friendship; I flicked an ash outside the window. Jim, realizing what I had just done, brought the car to a screeching halt. Thus began a 30 minute dissertation titled; "Flicking ashes during rain and it's ramifications". He explained that with the combination of the wind and rain, my ash was now sticking to the side of the car. He forced us out of the car to review same. After a thorough search, offending ash was found. With hands waving, spittle flying, he began explaining in rapid-fire detail the process he would now have to undertake to removed ash. When lecture was complete, we did a quick overview, ending with a surprise quiz on the subject. Jim, spent, began driving me home. Pulling into the parking lot he informed me we were now even in the ways of transport. How can one ride from you in anyway make us even for the six months I tooled you around the state of Virginia? His rationalization was; I drove him around in an old raggedy van, while today I was given the unique opportunity to sport around in a restored classic. How does one argue this logic? Easier to accept and move on. Jim was the most fastidious person I had every met, for instance, if you were a visitor at his domicile, use of both sides of an ashtray was prohibited, this violation could result in banishment from property. Our friendship continued once I left the ship and on to when we were both out of the Navy. We spoke and I visited often. There are many more events that happened along our way in life, till he departed this earth.

Patty, Jim, Me, Helen(the 2nd ex Mrs. Reiley)

Forward to 1997 After discussions with Jim, I made plans to visit him over Christmas Holiday. Hate using a cliché word, but there has been no "Closure" for me in regards to Jim's death. Missing the funeral may be a contributory factor. I miss him terribly and feel some personal guilt, should have called more and spoke of personal accomplishments less. Had hope to continue life long friendship, we have so much history together. Even today, I will think of a humorous incident and wish to inform Jim, reality prevents this. Mark

Jim Mullins, Mark Reiley and Pat Reilly