James Joseph Mullen

We honor the life and legacy of Captain James J. Mullen, Jr., whose journey from Upstate New York to the broad oceans of the world was marked by extraordinary achievement, steadfast leadership, and boundless devotion to his family and country.

Captain Mullen was born in Amsterdam, in the County of Montgomery in 1937. He attended Burnt Hills High School and went on to earn his bachelor's degree in physical education from CSUNY Potsdam. He was inducted into the Halls of Fame for Burnt Hills High School and CSUNY Potsdam—a testament to his enduring influence. Captain Mullen would go on to earn a master’s degree from Miami University while teaching at the War College there.

At Potsdam, Captain Mullen distinguished himself as a four-year varsity basketball player, rising to team captain in his senior year. He led the team in both scoring and rebounding during his junior and senior seasons and was selected to the State Teachers College Invitational Basketball Tournament All-Star team in 1958. His was also captain of the soccer team, and guided Potsdam during the sport’s inaugural season in 1958.

Captain Mullen served in the United States Navy for three decades with distinction. He served on destroyers, aircraft carriers, and a battleship, with tours that took him and his family to Japan and the Philippines. His first command, as Captain of the USS Kretchmer (DE-329), began in 1972. In 1975, he became the first commanding officer of the USS O'Brien (DD-975). As Commodore of the eight-ship Destroyer Squadron 13, Captain Mullen provided escort support for the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk. Under his command, his ships patrolled and protected vital waters in the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, South China Sea, Eastern and Western Pacific, and Indian Oceans.

Throughout his exemplary career, Captain Mullen was decorated with numerous honors, including two Legion of Merit awards, two Meritorious Service Medals, the Navy Commendation Medal, and the Vietnam Services Medal. He retired from the Navy in 1991, leaving behind a legacy of valor, commitment, and unwavering integrity.

Captain Mullen’s greatest pride was his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Maria; his son, James J. Mullen, III; his daughter, Mary Margaret Dodd (née Mullen); and his cherished grandchildren: Isabella Zenovia Mullen, Olivia Rasha Mullen, Samantha Maria Mullen, Mia Elizabeth Dodd, Margaret Grace Dodd, and Robert Duncan James Dodd. Captain Mullen’s enduring spirit, wisdom, and love remain alive in the lives he touched and the memories he created.

May he rest in peace, honored and remembered always.