James Paul McNulty passed away on November 24, 2020, in Houston, Texas, at the age of 87. He was born on a farm by Wymore, NE, on December 21, 1932, to James and Mary O’Brien McNulty. At just under the age of one year, his mother died, and he lived with his father on the farm until his father’s death in 1942. Paul then lived with his aunt and uncle, Gregory and Kathryn O’Brien, in Wymore for three years. After that, he lived with his brother Larry and sister-in-law Esther McNulty in Columbia, MO, for one year before moving to Kansas City, MO, to live with his two aunts Margaret O’Brien and Nellie Reed.
Paul met his beloved wife, Patricia Ann Kappler, in Kansas City through mutual friends. They wed on November 19, 1960, and had two children, Paula McNulty Kasinger and Mark G. McNulty. They recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.
Paul graduated from Redemptorist High School in Kansas City, MO. He joined the Army, where he served as a Corporal from 1953 through 1955, including being stationed a year in Germany. Upon completing his service, Paul continued his education at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, MO, and graduated in 1958 with a Business Administration degree. Paul was very proud that he attended a one-room school, District 81, in Wymore, and went on to become a college graduate. After college, Paul started a long and successful career in the Insurance industry, including working for the Prudential Insurance Company of America for 35 years. His work with Prudential brought Paul and his family to Houston in 1973. After retirement from Prudential, Paul continued working as a self-employed Private Investigator for several years. Paul and Patti have been parishioners at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Houston for over 40 years.
Paul was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. Family meant the world to him, and he loved them with all of his heart. Paul was also a loyal and supportive friend to many. He found time to engage in many sporting activities throughout his life, including being a semi-pro baseball player, a city champion handball player, and a tennis player until the age of 85. Paul was an avid reader and loved traveling, especially to Ireland. He enjoyed researching his family roots and then visiting the places he had discovered in his findings. Paul mostly loved spending time with his grandchildren, especially attending all their events. Rarely did he miss a game, swim meet, tennis tournament, recital, Grandparent’s Day, or any other activity involving his grandchildren. Paul had an infectious laugh and always had a smile on his face. His presence will be missed by many.
Paul is survived by his wife, Patti; his daughter, Paula McNulty Kasinger; his son, Mark G. McNulty, and wife, Janet; and his grandchildren Tyler Kasinger, Travis Kasinger, Will McNulty, Patrick McNulty, and Mary McNulty. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother James, sisters and brother-in-laws Herb and Marie Cole, Clarence and Dorothy Trauernicht; brothers and sister-in-laws Larry and Esther McNulty Arganbright, Donald and Mary McNulty plus special cousins Ruth Reed, Robert Reed and Margaret Mary Wavada.
The family will have a private burial at Houston National Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at a later date at Prince of Peace Catholic Church. The family requested in lieu of flowers please make donations to The Special Olympics.
