James J Mullen

Obituary James J. Mullen James J. Mullen passed away at St. Joseph Hospital on November 3, 2012 from a rare lung condition at age 88. He was born in New York City and grew up in Manhattan during the great depression. After the start of WWII, he joined the U.S. Navy and was eventually sent to England and then with the D-Day invasion of Normandy. After his Navy enlistment he was sent to the Bremerton Naval Base for discharge. In Bremerton he met and married pretty Charlotte Hodge and began his long career in barbering. After working for shops in Bremerton, Kennewick and Tacoma; he purchased his own shop in the old K Street Shopping District. He eventually sold his business and began a new career of teaching barbering at the Tacoma Vocational School. Many of his students are working in the barber trade throughout Tacoma. Jim had many friends from his long membership in the Elks Club and the "Mr. and Mrs. Dance Club". He had a great sense of humor and a repertoire of a thousand barber shop jokes. His keen mind and sharp memory served him well in any discussion of history and politics. He remained a well informed voter and an avid Democrat who loved his country. Jim was a solid citizen and a proud member of the "Greatest Generation". He will be truly missed by all his friends and family. Jim was preceded in death by his wife Charlotte and his long time companion Janie Robbens. He leaves two sons; Tom (Barbara) Mullen, Patrick Mullen along with nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be Friday, November 9th, 2012 at 2:00 pm at Gaffney Funeral Home, with cookie and coffee reception to follow. Committal services will be Tuesday, November 13th, 2012 at 11:30am at Tahoma National Cemetery. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.