James Mullett Obituary

James (Jim) Cumpston Mullett was born on June 23, 1936 to James and Coral (Chandler) Cumpston in Denver, Colorado. Coral passed away 10 days after giving birth and baby Jim was adopted by his grandmother's brother Durrell Mullett and his wife Effie (Silsby) who lived in Wichita, Kansas. Jim grew up in Wichita and graduated from East High School in 1954, then attended Wichita State University.

In 1960, Jim and Judith (Judy) Ann Lee married and had two sons, James R. and Jeffrey S. Jim was commissioned as an armor officer in the Army Reserve and went on active duty in the U.S. Army in 1964. He was a Master Paratrooper with the 101st Airborne Division and served as an advisor to the South Vietnamese Army, as well as an Infantry Officer with the 4th Infantry Division. He was awarded the Purple Heart and five Bronze Stars for actions under fire in Southeast Asia. Jim served in several assignments stateside as well as 3 1/2 years in Germany with the 3rd Armor Division.

Jim went on to serve in the Army until 1985 when he retired as a lieutenant colonel. He then served as the head of the Office of Chief of Air Defense Artillery, for ten years before retiring due to health problems.

Jim graduated from Golden Gate College in San Francisco, California (1971) and earned his Masters degree from Pacific Lutheran University in Seattle, Washington (1977). Jim was interested in building just about anything to include cars, furniture, homes, and more. He was an avid skier, golfer, and runner. After Jim's retirement Jim and Judy moved to Durango, Colorado, where they could enjoy their love of the mountains.

Jim passed away on February 4, 2022 and he will be deeply missed by his family and friends.