James Robert Mullins, 77 of Russell died Sunday, October 03, 2010 at the Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell, Kansas.

James was born December 20, 1932 in Charleston, Illinois the son of Russell C. and Wilhelmena (Tesmann) Mullins.  He grew up in Charleston, Illinois and graduated from Charleston High School in 1952.

James served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict.  He worked with AACS Radar.

James was united in marriage to Marianne Gray on December 31, 1954 in Omaha, Nebraska.  This union was blessed with three children; David, Jimmy and Cheryl.  They have made Russell their home since July of 1957.

James was a Flight Service Specialist at the Russell Airport from 1957 until closing in 1988.

He was a member of the St. John Lutheran Church of Russell.  He also was a life member of  Russell V.F.W. Post # 6240 and belonged to the Russell Regional Hospital Auxiliary.  He loved being outside especially fishing, hunting and gardening.

Surviving family include his wife of 55 years, Marianne of the home; daughter, Cheryl Kilian and husband Sammy of Russell, Kansas; three brothers, Norman Mullins of Charleston, Illinois, Richard Mullins and Rex Mullins both of Maltoon, Illinois; two sisters, Betty Centers and Linda Hampton both of Charleston, Illinois; three grandchildren, Matthew Kuntzsch, Melissa Pummell and Samuel Kilian; and five great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, both sons, David and Jimmy; and four brothers and two sisters.

Celebration of James’ Life will be held at 10:30 A.M. Friday, October 8, 2010 at St. John Lutheran Church of Russell with Pastor Roger Dennis officiating.  Burial will follow at the St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Russell with the Russell V.F.W. Post # 6240 Honor Guard conducting military rites.  Visitation will be from 9 AM to 8 PM Thursday, October 7, 2010 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell with the family present to greet friends from 6 PM to 7 PM.  Memorials have been established with St. John Lutheran Church or Alzheimer’s Association.  Contributions and condolences may be sent in care of Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary who is in charge of these arrangements.