June 24, 68,
James Porter Mullen, 68, passed away on Wednesday, June 24, 2020 while being cared for at Pruitt-Health in New Bern.
Jim was born in Portsmouth, Ohio on July 29, 1951 to the late James F. and Helen Porter Mullen. He graduated from Portsmouth High School and attended Bowling Green University. Jim received his Bachelor of Arts from Christopher Newport University and his Master of Arts from East Carolina University.
Jim lived his dream proudly serving his country in the United States Air Force. He will always be remembered for his incredible intelligence, his wonderful sense of humor and his patriotism. Jim’s valor and skill was recognized with numerous decorations. While serving his country, Jim and his family lived in Texas, England, Washington DC, Colorado, Ohio, Virginia and North Carolina.
Jim lived a life of dedication to his family and friends, and to his community. He served his community many ways from working as a coach of youth sports to serving as an umpire for community softball. Jim also had a great love for history and taught college history for Mount Olive College and Wayne Community College at Seymour Johnson A.F.B. Education Center. For many years, Jim served on the Mayor’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, June 28, 2020 from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home followed by a service to celebrate Jim’s life at 4:00 p.m. in the chapel with Pastor Steve Wellman officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date in the Eastern Carolina State Veteran’s Cemetery.
Jim is survived by his wife of 46 years, Denise Smith Mullen; son, Jimmy Mullen and wife Karla; daughter, Kelly Piwowarski and husband Andrew; grandchildren, Connor Piwowarski, Adam Piwowarski, Cameron Mullen and Parker Mullen; and his grand-dog, Abby.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Jim’s memory to Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Carolinas, 3101 Industrial Drive, Suite 210, Raleigh, NC 27609.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
