James McMullen

James McMullen, age 77, was born in Poughkeepsie, NY. James had a career as a jet mechanic for TWA and American Airlines. He enjoyed traveling, his grandchildren, and watching Jeopardy. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Laura McMullen. His children, Tonilynn and spouse Cliff, James Jr and spouse Leigh Ann, and Michael Sean and spouse Joyce; as well as 9 grandchildren, Steven and spouse Sonia, Kelsey Ann, Morgan, Samantha Rae, David James, Michael Sean, Jaymee Rae, and Andrew Martin and 2 great grandchildren, Kayden and Ava.

Jim always loved a good margarita especially if they were during happy hour and malted vanilla milkshakes. He never left an empty plate and would finish everyone else’s so there weren’t many leftovers.

James loved to hang out with his grandchildren and laugh, they always made him smile. He was known as Poppy to them. He loved to travel when working with the airlines. After retirement, he joined a breakfast club with fellow retirees to meet once a month and talk and eat.

James had many nicknames over the years, Jim, Big Jim, Eggbert, Poppy, and Pops. He loved them all. He was a wise guy sometimes and loved to tease his grandchildren, but all in love and fun. Whenever he was gone for hours at end everyone knew where he went and never worried. He was shopping at the Dollar Store and Walmart. He always looked for that bargain. Whether a baby outfit on the sale rack, car stuff for the kids when they learned to drive or cleaning stuff for the house.

Jim was always up for a challenge in his retirement. He went white water rafting in Costa Rico, Ziplining in Roatán and Costa Maya, and scuba dived in Aruba. No challenge was denied if his kids or grandkids wanted him to join.

He was a husband, father, grandfather, brother in law, and friend. He wore many hats and filled them all. James will be missed by many and was loved by all. Be free of pain, Dad. Keep a seat saved on the couch for us when we meet again.

The family will receive friends from 4pm to 6pm on Sunday, November 1, 2020 at Blount and Curry Funeral Home Carrollwood located at 3207 W. Bearss Ave. Tampa, FL. 33618.

Military Honors will take place at 12:30pm on Monday, November 2, 2020 at Sarasota National Cemetery located at 9810 State Rd. 72 Sarasota, FL. 34241.