Joseph James McMullen beloved son, brother, husband and father extraordinaire, passed away November 23, 2007 at his home in Reno, Nevada with his wife, Helen, by his side.
He was born April 3, 1919 in Collinsville, Illinois, the second of five children of Joseph and Clara McMullen. Joe was a man who, from the beginning of his life, overcame innumerable challenges - many life threatening. A navy veteran, he served during WWII on a ship that was attacked during the Battle of Okinawa. He retired from San Francisco Naval Shipyard in 1970 and moved his family to Carson City. Even though he worked very hard, he enjoyed his life. His many pursuits included learning to be a pilot, golfing daily and riding his motorcycle. He was also an accomplished dancer and a creative "MacGyver" mechanic who could fix anything. His proudest accomplishment was his family. He was an excellent and much-loved father of 12 children (He was often heard to say, "I love ALL my children!"), the loving grandpa of 28 and the great-grandpa of many more.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Helen, who was his best friend, life companion and loving, loyal caretaker in his later years. He was predeceased by his son Bobby (1997) and is survived by his eleven remaining children, Dennis (Lea), Linda (Ken), Patrick (Karen), Jeanne (Al), Kathleen (Scott), Sharon (Bob), Carol (Carlos), Lorraine (Buddy), Nancy, MaryAnne (Stuart) and Steve (Lauren). He was an incredibly loyal friend to many. His love and sense of humor will be missed by all of those who knew and loved him.