James Arthur Mulligan

James Arthur Mulligan, 51, of Port Charlotte, FL died unexpectedly Saturday, January 30, 2010 at Fawcett Memorial Hospital in Port Charlotte. He was born October 13, 1958 in Providence, RI, the son of John H. and Marjorie Mulligan. James graduated from Roger Williams University in Bristol, RI with a Bachelor of Science degree in marine biology/chemistry, and earned a master's degree in animal pathology at the University of Rhode Island. He worked for 25 years as a cell/cancer biologist in both Rhode Island and Illinois. He was a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Devonshire Realty in Urbana, IL for several years before moving to Port Charlotte in 2008. Together with his wife, he was owner of the local Home Instead Senior Care business. Jim was an avid fly fisherman who loved to sail, and a lifelong Red Sox and Patriots fan who also loved college sports, especially the University of Illinois basketball. His interest in genealogy inspired others to research their own family histories. He was a member of the Charlotte Harbor Rotary, the Charlotte County Executive Network, the Charlotte County Home Health Network and OCEAN as well as the Punta Gorda, Charlotte County and Boca Grande Chambers of Commerce.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Jenny Ash Mulligan; his father, John H. Mulligan, both of Port Charlotte; two stepsons, Jason Melvin of Deland, IL; Stephen Melvin of Naples, FL, and two step granddaughters, Chloe and Allison Melvin both of Deland, IL. He was preceded in death by his mother.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 pm till 5:00 pm Friday February 5, 2010 at the Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home, 635 E. Marion Ave, Punta Gorda. The Memorial Service will follow at 5:00 pm Friday at the funeral home with Rev. Bill Klossner officiating. Jim was actively involved in planning for the Charlotte County Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk. Donations may be made in Jim's memory to the Alzheimer's Association, Florida Gulf Coast Chapter, at 4075 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33952 or at alz.org.