JAMES F. MUELLER

JAMES F. MUELLER, 79, of Cleveland, OH passed away unexpectedly on August 17, 2022.    He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 50 years, Cathie Mueller.  Loving father of Paige Stone (Denny) and Kyle (Janette).  Proud and loving “Pappy” of Aubree, Sydney, Lila, and Nolan. Dear brother of David (Bonnie), Ron (Jo Ann), and Sr. Pam Mueller, OSU. Beloved uncle, great-uncle, and dear friend to so many!

Jim was born May 23, 1943 in Owensboro, Kentucky to James and Carrie Elizabeth Frakes (both deceased).  After moving to Florida, Jim joined the Marines as a reservist and played college football at the University of Florida.  He then took the next step to professional football, but a severe ankle injury suffered in the Baltimore Colts training camp ended his football career.  

Looking for the next adventure, Jim became a commercial airline pilot.

Returning to his passion for sports, he began a career in broadcasting.  His first job was with WPTV-TV in West Palm Beach, Florida.  After three years, in 1970, his career took him to WHAS-TV in Louisville, KY.  Additional duties included the football play-by-play for the University of Louisville on WHAS radio.  In March of 1972, Governor Julian Carroll recognized Jim for his accomplishments by commissioning him a Kentucky Colonel.  In December of 1972, Jim returned to South Florida to handle noon and weekend sports on WTVJ-TV in Miami, Florida. For two seasons he also did football play-by-play for the University of Miami and pre-season games for the NFL Miami Dolphins.   During his two plus years in Miami, Jim filed numerous CBS network reports covering Golf, Auto Racing, and other events including the Joe Frazier-vs-George Foreman Heavyweight title bout in Jamaica for the CBS evening news.  

Jim then moved to Cleveland, Ohio in July of 1974 as Sports Director for WJW-TV.  After 9 years with TV8, Jim moved across town to WKYC-TV and spent the next 4 years as the Sports Director.   In 1975, Jim was named color analyst for the Cleveland Browns Radio Network and remained with the team for 21 years until the franchise departed for Baltimore in 1995.  During that time, he also hosted “Browns Insider”, the team’s weekly hi-light and coaches show and did the play-by-play for the team’s pre-season telecast.  During the late 70’s, Jim also did play-by-play for both the Cleveland Indians and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Away from broadcasting, Jim developed a passion for auto racing -- going so far as to become a professional driver on the SCCA circuit.   While racing, Jim became affiliated with the Roger Penske organization.  That affiliation led to a new career as a track announcer for NASCAR and Indy car at multiple tracks across the nation including Michigan International Speedway, Daytona International Speedway, Phoenix International Raceway, Watkins Glen International, Nazareth Speedway, Richmond Raceway, Rockingham Speedway, Cleveland Grand Prix, Auto Club Speedway of California, and Chicagoland Speedway.  

Jim was well known for his involvement in community and charity events.  He was the co-founder of SMACO (Sports Media Associates of Cleveland & Ohio) and served as its first president for 6 years prior to being named Executive Director for Life in 1982.  Jim hosted the Jim Mueller SMACO charity Golf Classic for 23 years raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for various causes.  Jim also hosted the Cleveland and Northeast Ohio segment of the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon and the Easter Seals Telethons for 6 years.

Following his distinguished sportscasting career, Jim could still be found on local television as the commercial voice for Mullinax Ford and Pat O’Brien Chevrolet.  In 2005, Jim was inducted into the Radio/Television Broadcasters Hall of Fame of Ohio.  Up until his recent death, Jim was still a much sought-after speaker and Master of Ceremonies.  

Funeral Mass SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, St. Ladislas Church (2345 Bassett Rd. Westlake) at 11 A.M.  Friends may call at CHAMBERS FUNERAL HOME of NORTH OLMSTED, 29150 LORAIN RD. AT STEARNS RD. FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 2, 5-8 P.M.  Memorial contributions in memory of Jim are suggested to your favorite charity.