Cassidy James Mullins

Cassidy James Mullins (“Cass”) returned to God’s care on the morning of Thursday, April 30, 2015 at the age of 32. He passed away peacefully in his home after more than three years of treatment for stage 4 colorectal cancer. His courage in the face of the disease and his determination to make the most of every moment have inspired family, friends, healthcare providers, and strangers alike. He loved to laugh, he valued his family and friends, and he was always determined to be his own, unique self. He brought joy to everyone in his life and reminded us all of just how precious life is. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Cassidy, born October 7, 1982, in Findlay, Ohio, was a 2001 graduate of Findlay High School. In his youth, Cassidy participated in a variety of sports, was a member of the Boy Scouts of America, and played the viola. He matriculated at The Ohio State University in the fall of 2001 and graduated as a Bachelor of Science in Zoology in 2006 and a Master of Science in Pathology in 2008. In addition to his academic accomplishments, his most famous extracurricular activity was as Brutus Buckeye from 2002 to 2005, including the 2002 BCS National Championship Game. He remained involved with the Brutus program even until the last days preceding his death and received tremendous support and solidarity from his Brutus family.

Cassidy’s professional work as a Pathologist Assistant at both The Ohio State University and later Mt. Carmel brought him great satisfaction. It suited his attention to detail and love of the sciences. Outside of work, he enjoyed a variety of interests including sports, movies, video games, and music – a passion further fueled by his time working for PromoWest Productions. In addition to being a staunch supporter of the Ohio State Buckeyes, he was an avid fan of the Chicago Bears.

The diagnosis that changed Cass’s life came in March of 2012, just three months before he and Anna were to be married. When Cass was forced to stop working later that year due to the demands of his treatment schedule, his childhood love of WWE professional wrestling was reignited. He attended several live events in Columbus and rarely missed a televised event. In the fall of 2014, Cass also decided to share his time and talents with the Bishop Hartley High School Hawks, helping to rebuild the mascot program at the school where his wife teaches.

Cassidy is survived by many loving family members and friends, including his wife, Anna Bock Mullins, and his 20-pound cat, Peter, both of Columbus. His mother and step-father, Sarah E. Sparrowe (Mullins) Jones and Randy Jones, live in Findlay. His surviving siblings include Carl (Stacy) Mullins and Tammy (Eric) Stansbury of Upper Sandusky, Chad (Wendy) Jones of Toledo, and Jami Jones (Will Fuentes) of Lake Elsinore, California. He is survived by his aunts Dee Smith, Sharon Grubbs, Carolyn Coppes, and Raetta Lobdell as well as his grandmother, Flonnie Mericle, and his step-grandmother, Wanda Jones, all of Findlay. He leaves behind many cousins, nieces, and nephews as well.

Cassidy is preceded in death by his father, John W. Mullins of Upper Sandusky, his grandparents John E. and Arletta S. Sparrowe of Findlay, and uncle John L. Sparrowe of Findlay.

Cassidy’s life will be celebrated at 11:30 A.M. on Monday, May 4, at Schoedinger Worthington Chapel at 6699 N. High Street, where the family will also receive visitors Sunday from 2-6 P.M. Burial will take place at Union Cemetery, 3349 Olentangy River Road, Columbus.

The family would like to thank all of the caregivers and supporters who have provided such wonderful care for Cass over the past three years, especially Dr. Nse Ntukidem, his oncologist and trusted guide and friend.

In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Cass by visiting www.giveto.osu.edu and donating to

The Brutus Fund, scholarship #314005. This money goes toward scholarships for the current Brutus team, with which Cass volunteered much of his time at clinics and tryouts. Donations to the American Cancer Society are also encouraged as a way to honor Cassidy’s life. All tributes to Cass’s memory will be appreciated by the family.