James Leo Mullen

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James Leo Mullen, Jr., who left us on April 1, 2025 at the age of 83. A resident of Newtown Square Pennsylvania, James was born in Norristown, PA where he graduated from Norristown High School in 1959.

James pursued his passion for medicine with unwavering dedication. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Harvard University in 1963, graduating Cum Laude. His commitment to the medical field led him to the University of Pennsylvania Medical School, from which he graduated in 1968. After completing his residency in surgery, James served his country as a general surgeon at the United States Air Force Academy from 1974 to 1975. During this time, he achieved the rank of Major and proudly served as the physician for the Academy’s ice hockey and basketball teams.

Returning to his roots in the Philadelphia area, James then began an illustrious career spanning almost 50 years at The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania where he left an indelible mark on the evolution of patient care and practices. In addition to serving as a general surgeon, James founded and directed Penn Home infusion Therapy, as well as the HUP Nutritional Support Service, paving the way for patients to receive care in the comfort of their homes. Throughout his career at Penn, James served as the Director of the Surgery Department’s Residency programs, the UPHS Corporate Director of Perioperative Services, the Associate Executive Director at HUP, and the Vice Chairman of Administration for the Department of Surgery, as well as time performing as interim Chair of Penn Surgery and Chief of Surgery at The Philadelphia VA Hospital. James retired in 2020, leaving a lasting impression of dedication and passion towards improving patient care and lives.

While James had a professional career filled with remarkable accomplishments, his most noteworthy attribute was his infectious drive for learning and his unwavering curiosity about the world. Above all, he cherished his family. He found his true home in nature, surrounded by his loved ones and beloved dogs. As a devoted gardener and wildlife enthusiast, James cultivated his property like a sanctuary-both for his family and for all living creatures that called it home. He often could be found wandering the paths and slopes of his land, accompanied by his dogs and grandchildren, stopping to impart nature lessons or simply to listen to the soothing sounds of the woods.

This passion for nature at home fueled his commitment to wildlife advocacy abroad as he dedicated himself to the protection of the world’s wild places for future generations. Throughout his life, a constant source of joy was his love of baseball. He played first base at Harvard and continued to play during his residency. When his son was born, he devoted countless hours to teaching and coaching him, relishing every moment watching him play and enjoy the sport. His love for baseball led him to serve as General Manager of the Delaware Valley Gulls, a team in the Atlantic Collegiate Baseball League. Through this role, he dedicated himself to providing College players with the opportunity to showcase their talents and pursue their dreams of reaching the major leagues.

He also embraced new passions, learning to love field hockey and lacrosse as he supported his beloved daughter through high school and college. Throughout it all, he was a steadfast supporter of his wife, encouraging her nursing career and involvement in various charities.

James is survived by his wife Karyn, daughter Jessica, and son James, daughter in law Leeanne and son in law Tom and grandchildren Connor and Lucas. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to PARCA (Pennsylvania Rhino Conservation Advocates at parcainc.org) or Great Plains Conservation (greatplainsconservation.com).

The family is planning a Celebration of Life to be held in the future.