James Anthony Mudd

James (Jim) Anthony Mudd

August 12, 1937 - February 20, 2024

James (Jim) Anthony Mudd, 86, of Cedar Falls, IA, died at his home on Tuesday afternoon, February 20, 2024, surrounded by his family.

He is survived by his loving children: Jim Mudd Jr. (Becky), Robert Mudd (Maddie), Mary Kay Mudd Buschonville (Art), Christopher Mudd (Tracy), Elizabeth Mudd Iozzo (Marc), and Kathleen Mudd Shirk (Andy); his grandchildren: James Anthony III (Trey), Olivia, Jackson, Alec, Maxwell, Sophia, Ava, Samuel, Grace, Marc James, Jocelyn, Elicia, Quentin (Katie), Amelia, Margot, Stella Cecelia, and Cecily Kay; and his great-granddaughter, Meadow. Jim is also survived by his sisters-in-law: Mary Lou Mudd, Karen Mudd, Patricia Bowen, Roberta Johnson; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife, Cecelia; parents and siblings: Donald Mudd, Charlie and Geraldine Mudd, Nancy (Mudd) and Al Orr, and Mary Margaret (Mudd), and Henry Nangle.

Jim was born on August 12, 1937, in Owensboro, KY, the youngest of Clyde and Catherine (Hill) Mudd's six children. After graduating from Owensboro Catholic High School in 1955, Jim earned his bachelor's degree from Brescia College. He then secured admission to Northwestern University to pursue a master's degree in broadcasting. In 1959, just six weeks into his schooling, he was offered a job at WMOI in Monmouth, IL. In Monmouth, he met and married the love of his life, Cecelia Maxey. He married Cecelia Kay Maxey on June 13, 1964, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Monmouth, IL. Over the next many years, they welcomed six children and ventured through a series of relocations across central and southern Illinois. Jim's magnetic voice and reputation as a standout radio personality opened doors to management and ownership opportunities, finally landing them at 1250 AM- KCFI in Cedar Falls, Iowa, in 1973.

In 1981, with the encouragement of his friend John Deery, Sr., Jim started what is known today as Mudd Advertising. This led to lifelong friendships with dealers all over the states, especially with Ray and Todd Green of Springfield, IL, and Brooks Hanna of Spearfish, SD. Over four decades and counting, this business fueled lifelong friendships with thousands of clients and partners and was the source for his remarkable financial assistance and time commitments to support multiple organizations and charities near and far.

Jim was a fervent supporter of St. Patrick's Catholic Church and an active member of Legatus for Catholic CEOs. He was a national board member for the Lead Like Jesus Ministry with Ken Blanchard and a Trustee of the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center in Washington, D.C. Jim dedicated his time to DOCA, an organization to continuing education in defense and national security affairs (doca.org). Jim was inducted into the Cedar Valley 8 over 80. He lent his charismatic presence for over two decades as the Master of Ceremonies for the Sturgis Falls parade. Jim and Cecelia commissioned beautification and enrichment efforts for Cedar Falls Main Street and the Cedar Falls Public Library. Jim was also a member of the University of Northern Iowa Foundation Board.

His most cherished contributions were in support of the military. Jim gave his time to serve his country from 1957 to 1963 when he was honorably discharged from the Army National Guard with the rank of staff sergeant. Each year from 2005-2012, Jim had the privilege of escorting nearly 50 WWII combat veterans, representing the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines from the Cedar Valley to Washington, D.C., embodying his profound respect and gratitude for their service. He also took great pride in sponsoring the Marine Band for the Sturgis Falls celebration for nearly 30 years, as Mudd Advertising will continue to do in his memory.

Today and throughout his life, Jim's legacy is characterized by relentless ambition, persistent positivity, and a tireless commitment to family, friends, community, and business. His attentive nature was a constant inspiration to others, knowing he was always willing to share wisdom-filled insight and poignant advice. Grounded in his unwavering Catholic Christian faith, he had an impact on nearly everyone he met. With his charismatic gift of gab, quick-witted retorts, good looks, and dapper style, he was an entertainer who captured the eye and awe of anyone around. He was a remarkable man who lived life to the fullest.

Our heartfelt thanks to Dr. James Poock and his compassionate attention, At Home with Western Home for their flexibility and reliability, and the incredible friends on the care team led by Lauren Connell, his all-time favorite physical trainer turned #1 helper and friend.

Visitation was held on Friday, February 23, 2024, in Mudd Advertising's production studio at 915 Technology Parkway, Cedar Falls, Iowa, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. A short Vigil led by Father Ivan will begin at 7:00. The funeral mass will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, following a viewing from 9:30 to 10:20 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Cedar Valley Honor Flight in memory of James A. Mudd. Payable to: Sulliven-Hartogh-Davis Cedar Valley Honor Flight. C/O Frank Magsamen, 1065 Prospect Blvd., Waterloo, IA, 50701.