James Newton Mueller, 97, passed away peacefully at Patriots Colony, Williamsburg, Virginia, on June 8, 2018. He was born in Macon, Georgia on August 19, 1920 and was the youngest of three boys born to Curt and Marie McCrary Mueller.
Jim attended Auburn University. Upon graduation in June 1942 with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and a 2nd Lt. Commission in the U.S. Army, he was called to active duty with the 36th Infantry (Texas) Division. He served in the 111th Engineer Battalion as a combat engineer unit commander in the European Theatre until discharged in January 1946. His military honors include the Bronze Star, Silver Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, Battlefield promotion (Lt. to Capt.), and the French Legion of Honor medal with rank of Chevalier for his service in France. He re-entered Auburn University and earned a B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering. In September 1946, he began his career with NACA/NASA at Langley Research Center in Hampton and retired in September 1980.
Jim enjoyed playing golf but his passion was tennis. He was a devoted member of Hilton Tennis Club where he made lifelong friends who referred to him as “Gentleman Jim.” Jim was known for his kind spirit, compassionate heart and sense of humor.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife of thirty years, Emily Stephens. In addition, he is survived by two children from his marriage to his late wife, Laura Unruh Martin; Robert Curt and wife Lynn of Mechanicsville; Andrew Elliott and wife Beverley of Newport News; four grandchildren, Robert, Jr., Matthew, Tyler and Brandon; and two great grandchildren. He is also survived by his nephew, Huel James Mueller and wife Pat; and niece, Marjorie Harrison and husband Ben, both of Macon, Georgia.
Visitation will be held at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Road, Williamsburg, Virginia on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at 11:00 a.m., immediately followed by a funeral service at 11:30 a.m. Friends are invited to a reception following the service. A private burial will be in Roanoke, Virginia on Wednesday, June 13, 2018. Online condolences for the family may be made at www.nelsencares
