James Mullen Jr.

Dec 15, 1954 -

Mar 17, 2020

James "Jim" Mullen Jr., loving husband, father of three children, and two grandchildren, passed away on March 17, 2020, at the age of 65, in Portland, Ore., from complications after heart surgery.

Jim was born in December 1954 in Richmond, Va., to James Sr. and Lillian (Spencer) Mullen. He received his undergraduate degree from Columbia University in New York City in 1977, and received his law degree from Pepperdine School of Law in 1981. He practiced law and worked in human resources for 29 years in Fairbanks, Alaska; Hickory, N.C.; and Anchorage, Alaska. In August 1974, he married his high school sweetheart, Marcine Swarner. They raised two sons, Spencer and Jay, and one daughter, Kacy.

His faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of his life. Some of the greatest joys in his life came from serving his church and being an active member of Zion Lutheran in Fairbanks and Anchorage Lutheran. Jim had a passion for music and loved playing the guitar and singing. He also loved sound systems, and he combined his two favorite hobbies to help others in their music endeavors. He was known for his welcoming and friendly nature, his frugal and practical choices in clothing, and his inventive abilities to solve all kinds of problems and create unique fixes.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, James; and his mother, Lillian. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Marcine; his three children, Spencer, Kacy and Jay; his two grandchildren, Elias and Gabriel; his sisters, Deborah, Donelda, Jeanne and Sandra; Swarner family in-laws; and numerous loved nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.