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James Mullen Obituary
SAN DIEGO, Calif. - Captain James J. Mullen Jr., born in Amsterdam, N.Y., in 1937, died September 6, 2025. He attended Burnt Hills High School and CSUNY Potsdam. He was inducted into the Halls of Fame for both, and earned a master's degree from Miami University. Captain Mullen served in the U.S. Navy for three decades with distinction. He commanded the USS Kretchmer (DE-329) and was the first commanding officer of the USS O'Brien (DD-975). His decorations include two Legion of Merit awards, two Meritorious Service Medals, the Navy Commendation Medal, and the Vietnam Services Medal. After retirement, Captain Mullen earned his master's pilot license, served as a merchant mariner, and taught at the Maritime Institute.
Captian Mullen is survived by his beloved wife, Maria; his son, James J. Mullen, III; his daughter, Mary Margaret Dodd (née Mullen); and his cherished grandchildren, Isabella Zenovia Mullen, Olivia Rasha Mullen, Samantha Maria Mullen, Mia Elizabeth Dodd, Margaret Grace Dodd, and Robert Duncan James Dodd. Captain Mullen's enduring spirit, wisdom, and love remain alive in the lives he touched and the memories he created.
May he rest in peace, honored and remembered always.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Mullen
2 Entries
B Bryans
September 26, 2025
I did not know CAPT Mullen personally, but I served in USS O'BRIEN as a young sailor in 1988. O'BRIEN was a fine ship, in large part because of the high standards set by CAPT Mullen. Thank you for your service. Rest in peace, sir.
James A Kehrer
September 23, 2025
i was proud to be a friend, classmate & teammate of Jims in the early days. If there is ''AN OTHER SIDE" maybe we will get together a rehash the good timesJIM KEHRER
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