Surrounded by his loving family, James (Jim) Muldowney passed away peacefully on September 28, 2024.

Born in Lawrence MA to William Francis (Frank) Muldowney and Zelda Murphy, Jim grew up in Concord, NH. Jim had vivid memories of walking or ice skating to school through six feet of snow—and it was uphill both ways! Jim attended the University of Connecticut, played quarterback for the football team, and graduated with a degree in Mathematics.

Jim met the love of his life, Kathleen Henry, while attending UConn. After marrying in 1963, Jim and Kathy spent 62 years together, raising five children and creating a life rich with love, faith, and shared meals. Jim particularly enjoyed preparing, for over fifty years, Saturday family breakfasts of bacon, eggs, English muffins and homemade hashbrowns. Many happy memories were also created during summer visits to Lake Winnipesaukee. You knew Jim had had enough when during family drives with five children in the Ford LTD Country Squire station wagon, he would give the famous Jim Muldowney head shake and call out “Kathleen!”

Jim’s career began in New England where he worked for Digital, Spalding, and Easco Hand Tools. In 1980, Jim accepted a transfer to Gastonia NC, where he served as General Manager of a facility that made sockets for the Sears Craftsman brand. He later transferred to Lancaster PA, where he was Vice President of Operations for the K-D Specialty Tools Division. In the 1990s, Jim transitioned to the aircraft industry, moving to Dublin OH where he worked for Grimes Aircraft Lighting Systems.

In retirement, Jim served others. He volunteered with the American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery Program, driving cancer patients to treatments. He also drove a truck for the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus. When not serving others, Jim loved walking his many “grand-dogs” and sneaking them treats under the table. He also felt a deep pride in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren, smiling and nodding his head in admiration at news of the latest academic, athletic or professional achievement.

In addition to finding joy in his family, Jim loved spending time with his friends in the Holy Hackers, giving him a singular way of expressing his love of faith, friendship, and golf. Other joys in Jim’s life included lobsters, pork pies from Thwaite’s Market in Methuen MA, crafting the perfect gin gimlet, and faithfully rooting for his Boston sports teams, especially the Patriots. Jim admired grit and hard work, and he loved to recite Tom Brady’s position in the 2000 draft—picked in the 6th round, #199 overall—then shake his head in admiration. He also loved and rooted for the Red Sox, the Bruins, the Celtics—and his beloved UConn Huskies men’s and women’s basketball teams.

Jim was happiest when he was with others. His warm, crinkly smile and ability to make everyone feel like family were on full display during burger Fridays, spaghetti dinners with his famous “Grandpa meatballs” and any occasion when he made his signature, from scratch, Tom Collins. When you heard Jim say after a meal, “That was good!” you knew it had been done well. Jim leaves a legacy of a life well-lived, filled with family, with friends, with good food, and above all, with love.

Preceded in death by his brother, John and his oldest son, Sean, Jim’s family (aka, the Mullas) includes:

• His wife, Kathy
• Children: Sean (Henny), Kevin (Mona), Maureen (Guy), Megan (Jeff) and Dennis (Ai Lynn)
• Grandchildren: Katie (fiancé Scott), Sean Jr. (Maia), Graham, Maya, Matt, Priya, Brendan, Colin, Lea, and Henry
• Great-Grandson: Jayme

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 3, 2024 at 10:30 AM at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church in Raleigh. A celebration of Jim’s life is being planned for the weekend before Thanksgiving.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to

• Inter-Faith Food Shuttle
  • 1001 Blair Dr, Raleigh, NC 2760

The family invites you to share stories, memories and laughter as they celebrate Jim’s life.