James Paul “Jim” Mullins, 87, of South Hutchinson, died September 28, 2021, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin MO. He was born November 11, 1933, in Whitesburg, KY, to Charles and Birdie (Sturgill) Mullins and was raised in a large family.
Jim grew up in the mountains of eastern Kentucky and learned woodsman and farming skills that he never forgot. After high school, he was drafted into the United States Army (“your friends and neighbors have selected you” – Jim could quote the draft board letter almost verbatim). After basic training, he was sent to Camp Hale, CO, for training with the 10th Mountain Division. Upon completion of his ski training, Jim returned to Fort Riley and finished his obligation with the 1st Infantry Division.
While in the Army, Jim met the love of his life, Mary Gay Rector, while she was attending college in Emporia. They were married on April 5, 1958, in Detroit, MI. They shared over 62 years of marriage before her death on December 14, 2020.
Jim and Gay moved to Hutchinson in 1960. Jim completed Barber college in 1960 and began a career cutting hair that spanned over 60 years. Being a barber was his calling and he continued to cut hair until his passing.
Jim was a member of the American Legion, was a Master Mason, and of the Christian faith, attending both Our Lady of Guadalupe and Eastwood Church of Christ when he was able. He was a man of prayer, an avid reader, and an active fan of boxing, football, and basketball. Jim passed his love of the outdoors to his family and his collection of fishing gear is second to none. He loved crappie and walleye fishing, and quail hunting. Jim raised and trained excellent upland bird dogs and was a dog lover to the end.
While Gay was alive, they enjoyed going out to eat together, traveling, and spending time with their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. His family was everything to him and the love he showed to them is a legacy that will always be remembered.
Jim is survived by: sister, Jewell Ballou (James) of Irvine KY; sons, Steve Mullins (Debbie) of Hutchinson, Eric Mullins (Diana) of South Hutchinson; grandchildren, Matt Mullins (Ashley) of Merriam, Chris Mullins (fiance’ De’Nae Torres) of Hutchinson, Sarah Engel (Brent) of Wichita; great-grandchildren, Jasper and Crew Mullins, Christian James Engel; and several nieces and nephews.
He also will be missed by his good friends, Jerry Josephson, Chet Martin, Willie Cokely, Lee Whithorn, Perry Nolan, and his other breakfast buddies.
Jim was preceded in death by: his loving wife, Gay; his parents; sisters, Belvia, Goldie, Dorothy, and Irene; brothers, Cecil, Leonard, Linville, and Carl Daniel; and his hunting and fishing buddy, John Davis.
Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 6, 2021, at Elliott Chapel. Burial will follow in Fairlawn Burial Park, with military honors conducted by Fort Riley Honor Guard. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, with family present from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Elliott Mortuary.
The service will be livestreamed and the link to view the service will be active on Jim’s obituary on the funeral home website beginning 30 minutes before the service.
Memorials are suggested to Mennonite Friendship Communities or Mercy Hospital Joplin, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.
Jim would ask that masks be required at his visitation and service to protect his great-grandchildren, who are too young to be vaccinated, and his many friends.