James Martin "Jim" Mullaney

A good man went to heaven today. James M. (Jungle Jim) Mullaney passed away on November 3, 2016 at the Nazareth Home at the age of 96. Born August 14, 1920 in Louisville, KY, Jim spent his entire life in his hometown apart from his years in the Philippines during World War II. He could not have known how those years would shape his activities until his final breath. Shortly after graduation from Male High School (Class of ’38) Jim joined the Army Reserve. Eventually he found himself in Fort Benning, Georgia in jump school with the 503rd Parachute Battalion. This proved to be the start of a long and storied adventure throughout the Pacific Theater. Like many of his peers in the greatest generation he rarely spoke about the challenges and heartache they all experienced. That was until he discovered the internet in the mid 90’s. At that time Jungle Jim started reaching out to his war buddies. The response was a complete surprise and life changing. While many had passed on by that time, their children and grandchildren reached out to Jim to learn more about their relative’s war experiences. Guided by a daily diary he kept during the war and a keen memory, he shared intimate details of their loved ones that made it back from battle and some that did not. His correspondences went all over the world. He started traveling to meet some of his fellow paratroopers’ families in person just to let them know the importance of their role. The real surprise came when first, second, and third generations started descending on Louisville to hear Jungle Jim share war stories and how their loved ones fit in. It is difficult to measure the impact of the laughter and tears during these visits. When Jim returned to Louisville in 1945 it was time to renew the wedding vows he took in 1942 with his wife, Lois Catherine. They were married at Fort Bragg and spent one week together before their three year separation due to the war. Jim and Lois wanted to make up for lost time and that they did. They shared 7 children in 13 years. After a brief return to active duty during the Korean Conflict, Jim spent the remainder of his work years with General Tire and Mack Truck. He was a founding member of St. Lawrence Church. As a lifelong super fan of Notre Dame football his spirits rose and sunk with their fortunes. Mostly sunk of late. Regardless of ND’s fortunes, Jim maintained an unbelievable sense of humor throughout his life. His pride in family became quite evident as he spoke about each child to anyone that would listen. Some of his greatest enjoyment came in times spent at home surrounded by his family. Jim was preceded in death by his loving wife, Lois (nee Penn) and his son, John Dennis Mullaney. He is survived by his children, Connie Pearl (Jim), Marty Mullaney (Gloria), Kevin Mullaney, Mary Lea Quick (Kerry), Sally Sanders (Mark) and Steve Mullaney (Laura), along with many grandchildren and great grandchildren. The family would like to thank the staff at Nazareth Home for their loving care of Jim over the past few months. His funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:00 A.M. Monday, November 7, 2016 at St. Lawrence, 1925 Lewiston Drive with burial in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. on Sunday at Owen Funeral Home, 5317 Dixie Highway. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Kids Center for Pediatric Therapies, 982 Eastern Parkway, Louisville, KY 40217.