James Thomas Mullins, Jr. is the oldest of nine children born to James T. Mullins, Sr. and Katie Arnold Mullins on January 11, 1939 in Knoxville, Tennessee. His parents and siblings affectionately called him “Tuck". His Navy buddies, co-workers, and neighbors called him “J.T.". He was known legally as “James”.

Tuck accepted Christ at Rogers Memorial Baptist Church located in Knoxville in 1948. He reaffirmed his faith in Christ in the presence of God and his sister, Janet, in 2021.

As a child and teenager, Tuck liked to work with his hands. He demonstrated skills in woodworking, plastics, and metals. He also enjoyed photography. As an adult, his friends and neighbors often called on him to help them “fix things”.

Tuck graduated from Austin High School in 1958. For the next two years, he held odd jobs in Knoxville while deciding what the next stage of his life would be. He was sworn into the U.S. Navy on September 20, 1960. In the Navy, he held several jobs. Two of his last Navy photography positions were in Adak, Alaska where he led the entire photo lab, and he later ran the two-man photo lab on the USS Long Beach (ship). After twenty years and five months of service, he retired from the Navy in 1981.

Civilian James Mullins made his home in Alviso, CA. While employed at a hardware store (where he liked to help people fix things), he suffered a debilitating injury to his right leg that left him walking with a limp for the rest of his life. He then worked for a printing company. His last employment was with the California Department of Motor Vehicles, retiring after ten years in 2001.

In 1984, James earned an AA Degree in Supervisor Management from Mission College in Santa Clara, CA. Continuing his education at Mission College, he earned an AS Degree in Printing Technology in 1987.

J.T.’s lifestyle afforded him the opportunity to travel. During his life, he crisscrossed the United States several times, visiting every state in the union. He attended Navy reunions, family gatherings, and visited family and friends. A lover of history, he visited and toured scores of museums and historical sites. He traveled by plane, car, in his motor home, but most often on his motorcycle. Combined with his Navy travel, J.T. visited every continent except Antarctica.

James will be remembered as a generous man, a trusting man, and an independent man. Being the oldest child, he often sent financial help to his parents. He gave his younger siblings cars and motorcycles. He blessed each of his nephews and nieces with monetary gifts on their birthday until age 20. Wedding gifts were over the top. Co-workers spoke of his generosity towards them. A character strength (and perhaps a weakness) was that James was a trusting man. He trusted people with their word. Some took advantage of his kindness, while others were highly appreciative. He saw the best in people, not speaking harshly of anyone. As an independent man, he took care of himself never asking for help, and not wanting to be a burden on anyone.

J.T.’s health began to decline in the summer of 2021. His condition required that he leave his California residence of over forty years. He relocated to Minnesota to be closer to family. He transitioned while in the Minnesota Veterans Home.

James is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Charles. He is survived by three brothers, Richard (Martha), Joe (Lisa), and Kenneth. He leaves behind four sisters, Janet Holman, Carolyn Hardrick, Mary Davis, and Angela Mullins. He will be missed by several nieces and nephews.

Well done, brother! Sail on into the joy of your Lord.

Announcement by Patton Funeral Home.