David James Mueller

David James Mueller, son of Manfred Ernst Mueller and Mary Evelyn Parks Mueller, was born April 20, 1945 in San Francisco, California. He entered into rest in Jesus on August 26, 2025 in Tallahassee, Florida at the age of 80. His father was a Chemistry professor and his mother a dietician and educator.

A lifelong learner, David grew up in San Francisco attending Grattan Elementary, Roosevelt Junior High, and Lowell High School. For college, he attended City College of San Francisco (1963), Graceland College in Lamoni, IA (1963-65, AA in Science), University of Wisconsin in Madison, WI (1965-1967, BS in Mathematics and Chemistry), University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI (1968-1970, MS in Mathematics), and Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL (1971-1974) where he received his doctorate degree in Mathematics Education.

He taught Mathematics in teaching assistant and professor roles at the University of Michigan (TA), Bowling Green State University (P), City College of San Francisco (P). Florida State University (TA), and Program for Afloat College Education (PACE) on an Aircraft carrier stationed near Naples, Italy (P).

Full-time teaching jobs were scarce in the mid-1970’s so David went to work for the State of Florida as a Computer Programmer. Over the years he held various technical and supervisory positions and assisted in the Year 2000 (Y2K) conversions. At the time of his retirement in 2012 he was serving as a Mainframe Computer Systems Security Manager.

He was a long-time active member of Community of Christ, where he served as an Elder in the church.

David enjoyed volunteering at Second Harvest of the Big Bend, singing bass in the Capital Chordsmen barbershop group in his younger years, and in more recent years, singing with the Beyond the Walls Choir, playing canasta, other card and board games, and watching college football. He enjoyed puns, puzzles and brain games, and enjoyed reading science fiction, historical fiction, and science journals. He was a kind, generous, and caring person, who supported many charities.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jacqueline Shotwell Mueller of Tallahassee, FL, a brother John Mueller of Olathe, KS, three daughters, Caroline Griffin (husband Neil) of Spartanburg, SC, Katherine Mueller of Tallahassee, FL, and Laura Mueller of Concord, NC, two grandsons, Sean and Daniel Griffin of Spartanburg, SC, a cousin Stephen Garnsey of DeLuz, CA, and many nieces and nephews. His father, mother, and older brother Peter Mueller preceded him in crossing over to heaven in Jesus Christ.

A Celebration of Life for David will be held Saturday, November 29, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home, 700 Timberlane Road, Tallahassee, FL 32312.

For those who are willing, please post a memory you have of David below to serve as a testament to the legacy he leaves behind. Please know that your words will serve as a great comfort to the family in the years to come.