James Mullen

Heaven's gates opened to James Alan Mullen, formerly of Eau Claire, on August 17. The many people who loved him will celebrate his life on September 20 in his adopted home of Rio Rancho, New Mexico.

He was affectionately called "Jimmy," which was also the name of his favorite bar in South Minneapolis. He built his life around his love of family, New Mexico's climate, and the Green Bay Packers. He died at the age of 76 after a lengthy illness.

The Vietnam War veteran was born on Oct. 7, 1947, in Rice Lake, WI, the youngest of five children to Joseph and Lucille Mullen. He graduated from Memorial High School in Eau Claire in 1966 and later earned a degree in computer technology from Control Data Institute. He joined the Army out of high school and served three years, including a tour of duty in Vietnam. He was a decorated soldier with the rank of sergeant (Specialist 5) and was honorably discharged.

He spent nearly 20 years living in the Twin Cities metropolitan area and working for the Western Weighing & Inspection Bureau. By 1986, he and Cindy Rodriguez, his wife of 38 years, had enough of Minnesota winters. She accepted a buyout from Burlington Northern Railroad, and the family relocated to Rio Rancho. They made the state their home ever since.

The couple raised two sons, Andrew, born in 1983, and Adam, born in 1997. In New Mexico, he worked in banking, real estate, sales, and home improvement. He also managed properties until his retirement in 2009.

Jim grew up with four older siblings: two brothers and two sisters. His father, of Norwegian ancestry, was a longtime school principal in Eau Claire and a lifelong dairy farmer. His parents kept a cabin on Big Sand Lake near Cumberland, WI, that served for decades as a place for family reunions. Jim took an active role in the lives of his many nieces and nephews. They could always count on him for a place to stay, a home-cooked meal, and wise advice about life, especially financial matters.

Jim enjoyed the spectacular view of the Sandia Mountains from his backyard and cooking on the grill. He loved listening to jazz, spending time in his garage, woodworking, and building things for his sons. He played pool, argued politics, and did crossword puzzles in a household with dogs and cats. The easiest way to make him laugh was to tell him a joke. He had an endless supply in return.

Jim kept in touch with far-flung relatives despite his failing health in recent years. He hosted a Mullen reunion in 2022 and called his sister four days before his death to wish her a happy birthday.

His survivors include Cindy and his two sons, all of Rio Rancho; a sister, Joyce Bonner, of Ankeny, IA; and a brother, Rex, of Virginia Beach, VA. He is preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Joseph Jr.; and a sister, Sybil Eckert.

Memorials in his honor can be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which helps survivors of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

Jim never forgot those he loved - and we will never forget him. A memorial service will take place at 10 a.m. on September 20 in Vista Verde Memorial Park, 4310 Sara Road, in Rio Rancho, where his cremated remains will be buried.