James H. Mauldin

LYNN HAVEN, FLA. - James Howard Mauldin 'Jim', 77, of Lynn Haven, Fla., passed away Thursday, July 23, 2009, after a courageous 12-year battle with cancer.
A native of Brewster, Fla., Jim graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology with a Master's Degree in Physics and also earned a Master's Degree in Science and Aeronautical Engineering from California Institute of Technology.
Jim was a career naval officer and pilot serving tours of duty with several attack squadrons and combat in Vietnam. He was the aircraft handling officer of the USS Saratoga, Commanding Officer of the USS Seattle, Executive Officer of the USS Nimitz and ended his 27-year naval career as the Commanding Officer of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, which he piloted to the most successful record in peacetime carrier history.
Jim was awarded the Navy Commendation medal, the Air Medal, the Bronze Star, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.
Upon retiring from the Navy, Jim began his second career at Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia where he met and married his wife, Barbara. During the next 12 years, he served as Submarine Overhaul Manager, Overhaul Manager of the USS Eisenhower, Director of Trades Administration and finally in charge of Aircraft Carrier Propulsion Systems.
Following his second retirement, he and Barbara settled in Lynn Haven, Fla., where for the past 14 years he has enjoyed traveling and fishing with his childhood friends, tending his flowers, and cooking. Jim was always ready and eager to participate in a friendly debate, and for the past 6 years was never without his constant companion, his Yorkshire Terrier Mimi.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, George and Ellen; and his stepdaughter, Chrystal Shaw.
He is survived by his loving wife of 16 years, Barbara Mauldin; his former wife, Mary Bell Mauldin, and their two daughters, Marise Michalochick (Robert) and Lori Eder (Scott); four granddaughters, Lori, Abbey, Kayla, and Hannah; one stepson, James Maynard; and his beloved older sister, Marise Boyle.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 30, 2009, in the chapel of Kent Forest Lawn Funeral Home with Dr. Floyd Wright officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to Covenant Hospice of Panama City, Fla.; 107 West 19th Street, Panama City, FL 32405.
Kent Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 2403 Harrison Avenue, 850-763-4694. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.