James “Jim” Michael Mullen, 94, of Jefferson City, MO, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023, at SSM St. Mary’s Hospital. He was born in Devils Lake, ND, on Nov. 28, 1928; a son to the late Edward James and Leona Mary (LeDuc) Mullen. On Sep. 29, 1962, he was united in marriage to Rita Marie Von Rueden in Hinckley, MN.
Jim was a 1946 graduate of St. Mary’s Academy in Devils Lake. He attended the University of St. John the Baptist in Collegeville, MN, where he graduated with his Bachelor of Arts in June of 1950. He also gained his Bachelor of Civil Engineering from the University of Minnesota.
Never afraid to work, Jim began his working career at an early age, he served as an altar boy, was in scouts, sold newspapers, and enjoyed hunting and camping. While in high school, he worked for the United States Weather Bureau, getting up early each day to gather and provide data for the daily forecast, worked at a gas station and worked on the railroad. Over the course of his career, he worked for the Bureau of Public Roads Administration in St. Paul, MN, and finally for the Federal Highway Department in Jefferson City. He worked in Jefferson City from 1963 until his retirement.
Jim was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus and served as a 4th Degree Knight. He could fix just about anything and loved spending time in his workshop. Most importantly, Jim loved his family, especially his grandchildren. He never missed a sporting event or school activity and was always there to support them. He will be deeply missed by all who know and love him.
Jim is survived by his wife of 61 years, Rita; children, Sheila (Russ) Weyland of Fulton, Missouri, Maureen (Terry) Ball of Jefferson City, and Dan Mullen of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; grandchildren, Brianna (Keevin) Ball of Columbia, Missouri, Makayla (Colton) Oberhelman of Lee’s Summit, Steven (Hannah) Ball of Brevard, North Carolina, Sam Weyland of Jefferson City, Abby (Mason) Weyland of Columbia, Savannah Mullen of New York, New York, and Zack Mullen of Lee’s Summit; great-grandchild, Oaklei of Lee’s Summit; siblings, John (JoAnn) Mullen of Carlsbad, California, Dorothy Puhr of Danville, Illinois, and Edward (Jerry) Mullen of Easton, Pennsylvania; sister-in-law, Maryann Mullen of Oceanside, California and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family
He was preceded in death by his parents; infant sister, Elizabeth; brother, Michael Mullen; and daughter-in-law, Lori Mullen; and brother-in-law, Edward R. Puhr.
Jim’s family would like to express their greatest gratitude to the entire staff at SSM St. Mary’s Hospital in Jefferson City. The doctors, nurses and Central Missouri Hospice went above and beyond in their care and support of Jim and his family.
Friends will be received on Monday, October 23, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Joseph. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Louis Nelen officiating. Jim will be laid to rest at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Knights of Columbus.
Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, Missouri 65109 Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com.
