James Hower Mullen

James “Jim” Mullen passed peacefully into the arms of our Lord and Savior surrounded by family on May 17, 2021 at the age of 94 years old. Jim was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on October 8, 1926.
Jim was the son of James Henry Mullen and Cleon Hower Mullen. He met the love of his life, Mamie Wheeler Robertson and was married on March 7,1953 in San Francisco, California. Jim and Mamie were married for 55 years until her death in 2008.
Jim graduated from U.S. Grant High School in Portland, Oregon in 1944. After graduation, Jim attended Washington State College where he was trained in the ROTC program for the United States Army Air Corps. Jim served as a Corporal in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II from June 7, 1944-December 7, 1946, stationed in the Philippines.
After serving in the military, Jim obtained his Bachelor's degree in Business in 1950 from Lewis and Clark College in Portland,Oregon. In 1969 he also earned a Transportation Management Program certificate from Stanford University.
Jim was employed by Southern Pacific Railroad. Then, In 1953, he began working for Kaiser Steel where he worked as a General Traffic Manager until 1985. Afterwards, he worked for California Steel until his retirement.
Jim and Mamie moved to Hayward, California in 1954 where they raised 4 children: Mamie Jean Robertson Scroggins, Thomas Henry Robertson, James Henry Mullen, and Patricia Karen Cornell. He was very proud of all of his children.
Jim was a very active person. He and Mamie loved to travel, and he continued to travel and visit his beloved family in Washington and Texas after her passing. However, most of the time you could find Jim on the golf course, taking a walk, or on some kind of adventure with a camera in his hand to ensure he could capture as many memories as he could. One of his most memorable golf courses he was able to golf on was in SunRiver, Oregon with his son Jim at the SunRiver North Course. This was a very proud and memorable day for the both of them. Although his son, Jim, was his favorite golfing partner, he spent many years golfing with his dear friend and boss, Roy Bellesen. These avid golfers played together right up until physical limitations forced both to retire their clubs. Jim cherished his years of sharing golf and friendship with Roy.

Jim created many friendships in his 94 years. However, some of the most precious to him were his beloved neighbors. He had a wonderful bond with his dear friend, Norman. Norm and his sweet wife, Rose, took extra special care of Jim after Mamie’s passing, providing meals and friendship. In addition, Jim became friend and companion to their beloved dog, Charlie, whom he adored. Also caring for their friend Jim were his neighbors Dr. Vo and Pham, and Mary Olsen. They loved Jim very much, and he loved them. Jim’s family will be eternally grateful for the special care and friendship that went far beyond the label of “neighbors” to Jim.
Jim was a very proud Grandpa, preferring to be called Opa. He was Opa to 11 grandchildren, 27 Great-Grandchildren, and 5 Great-Great Grandchildren.
Jim is in Heaven with his mother and father James and Cleon, his half sister Iris Haskin, his beloved wife Mamie Mullen, and his daughter Jean Scroggins. Jim is survived by his sons James Mullen (Kathy), Thomas Robertson (SueAnn), daughter Patricia Cornell (Carol), and each of his grandchildren.

Jim led a wonderful and fulfilled life. He was loved by so many and will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to have known him.