James Clark Mullennix was and still is the most pure and amazing man that I will ever know in this life. He was a literal angel on Earth and the world is a much duller place without him in it. Almost three years have passed now and not a day goes by that I don't miss him or think about him. What hurts the most is that he will never have a chance to see his grandsons or get to see the family that I created. He taught me so much and showed me much more. He was always smiling and laughing no matter the day. I would give so much to just be able to talk to him again or hug him one last time.
I miss you every single day and I love you so much, Granddaddy. Thank you for being the best person I have ever known.

I am so sorry to have just learned of the passing of James. He was a very special man and meant a lot to our family. He is the reason my dad, R.T. Benefield, was able to come home and have extended life after his stroke. I can't say enough about what a kind man James was. I am forever grateful to him for his friendship with my parents.

Eulogy for James Mullennix, Jr.

There are a few things that I’d like to say about James, and the life he lived before me.

Just a little while before Jesus was crucified, He explained to his disciples that our lives as Christians are supposed to be spent producing ‘fruit’. Some people produce little fruit with their lives, and some produce more fruit, but then some people produce MUCH fruit.
Galations 5: 22 – 23 explains what the different kinds of fruit are. They can actually be divided into 3 categories: Inward fruit, Outward fruit, Upward fruit.

The Inward fruits are the evidence in our own selves that the Holy Spirit dwells within us. These fruits are love, joy, and peace. Those of you who knew James must have seen for yourself how he worked to spread love to those around him.  Within his family, he spoiled us and his grandchildren rotten. He was in love with St. John’s Episcopal church and its members.

The Outward fruits are the ones that a Christian should extend to others. These fruits are patience, gentleness, and goodness. I know that each of us in James’ family have tried his patience to the limit at times, but he never lost his temper nor raised his voice to any of us. He devoted himself to helping others any way he could. For many years, he collected and repaired bicycles and took them to children who are locked up in prison with their mothers. He helped Rita with the Soles for Souls drives. There are countless examples of how James extended God’s love to others.

The last category of fruits are the Upward fruits. These are the fruits that Christians display towards God Himself. These fruits are faith, meekness (which means to be ‘humble’ towards God’s guidance in our lives), and self-control. James’ faith is an example to anyone who knew him. It was his faith in God that allowed him to weather the storm of Betty passing away at such an early age. The second fruit in this category is meekness. The Bible says that “the meek shall inherit the earth”. Well, the term meekness does not mean that you let people walk all over you or take advantage of you. In this context, it means that a person is willing to accept the challenges and trials that God allows to enter into our lives, and turns these trials to His Glory. Even when James was first diagnosed with lung cancer, he never quit coming to this church to clean it up, to help repair some broken something. The final fruit in this category is self-control. James Mullennix was a gentleman through and through. He did not use profanity, he never lost his temper in my presence. He kept his cool in situations in the Air Force that earned him medals of honor.

I guess the point I’m trying to make is: If some Christians will be found to have produced “MUCH” fruit, then James Mullennix will certainly be found standing with this group in Heaven.  But, the real evidence of James’ fruit is seen in his children and grandchildren. The children loved James so much, that they refused to send him to a nursing home during his final days on this earth. They took turns sitting with him around the clock at his home until he peacefully departed this life. The grandchildren absolutely worship James. My sons would walk off of a football field or wrestling court in high school to give their granddaddy a big hug in front of everyone. Each grandchild came to visit James every chance possible, and love him dearly. James was a wonderful, gentle man - - and we will sorely miss his presence in our lives. May his fruit continue to be evident in our own lives.

With much love from a devoted daughter-in-law,
Deedra

Although Mr. Mullennix and I never met in person, his legend reached me through his son, Clark. His story offers powerful examples of how to live with honor, and face adversity with courage.

The benefit of Mr. Mullennix's exceptional character continues to flow through generations and across bridges of friendship.

Thank you Mr. Mullennix.

I am sorry for your loss. My prayers are with the family.

My heartfelt sympathy to Rita and the family. James was a loving husband to Rita and was a friend to all He was always so polite and helpful.

He was my hero, my idol, my friend, my mentor....and most of all, he was my father. I love you, Dad.