James Mullins, Sr.

James Travis Mullins Sr., beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and proud Navy veteran, went home peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior on November 27, 2025, in San Antonio, Florida. He was 92 years old.

James was born on August 11, 1933, in Salyersville, Kentucky. He lived deep in the holler on a small family farm with his parents, the late Chester and Myrtle Mullins, where he learned the virtues of hard work, faith, and the kind of resourcefulness only life in rural Kentucky can teach. He was one of seven siblings, of whom, he is survived by his sister Jewell (the late Millard) Smith and preceded in death by brother Luke (Grace) Williams, infant brother Robert Williams, sister Hazel (Bill) Collinsworth, brother Glenn (Flora Marie) Mullins, and brother Wendell “Mort” (Mary) Mullins.

Whether he was fully of age, or just persuasive with paperwork, James proudly enlisted in the United States Navy and served aboard the USS Ellyson during the Korean War. He traveled the world, collected unforgettable memories, and retold those stories enthusiastically for the rest of his life. His service rightfully remained one of his greatest honors.

After his service, James married the love of his life, Betty (Fantine) Mullins. Together they raised three children—Helen Meyers, James Mullins Jr., and Tim (Joy) Mullins—who all survive him. He is also survived by several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each of whom he loved dearly.

James was preceded in death by his beloved Betty, and later by Dorothy Mullins, whom he married after Betty’s passing. Though grief visited him more than once, he never lost his zeal for life and family.

James lived for many years in the Bolivar and Somerdale, Ohio areas before eventually settling in sunny Florida. He seemed to embrace his Florida years, often enjoying the warm days riding around in the golf cart, keeping a hopeful eye out for alligators.

A loyal Cleveland Indians fan, he remained faithful through every season—an enduring testament to his patience and optimism. James also greatly enjoyed watching his western movies.

Many of those who knew him best also called him “Tab” or “Gramps,” but no matter the name, you knew him as a man who loved his family above all else. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, quiet humor, devotion, and endless stories that will continue to be treasured.

Though he will be deeply missed, we rejoice knowing he has entered into the eternal joy of God’s presence, reunited with the loved ones who went before him. He has fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.

The family will greet guests on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 from 10:00 - 11:00 AM in Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home and Crematory at New Philadelphia. A service honoring James’ life will begin in the funeral home chapel at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow in Ridgecrest Memory Garden at Dover, where Carl C. Stoller Post 1445 VFW will perform military honors.