James "Jim" L. Mueller

James L. “Jim” Mueller, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born in 1933 in Charleston, West Virginia, to Leslie S. Mueller and Gertrude Catherine Gorman, Jim lived a life marked by love, service, and genuine kindness.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Grace, and their daughters, Grace Thornton Burger (Danny), Jayne Day (Dean), and Sarah Coffey (Tom). His legacy endures through his grandchildren, Jeff Thornton (Jennifer), Caroline Flanigan (Ryan), Christopher Day, Andrew Day, Connor Coffey, and Luke Coffey; great-grandchildren, Jacob and Jackson Thornton, and James, Daniel, and Ian Flanigan; sister-in-law, Martha Mueller; and many nieces, nephews, and cherished extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers John (Buzz) Mueller and Jack Mueller, and additional close family members.

A graduate of Culver Military Academy where he proudly quarterbacked the football team, Jim attended Miami University of Ohio and the University of Cincinnati. He served with honor in the United States Navy for four years on active duty and four years in the Reserves. His career in industrial equipment sales spanned Ohio, Michigan, and Georgia. His greatest joy was his family. Jim and Grace traveled tirelessly to cheer at their grandchildren’s sporting and school events. An avid fan of the Georgia Bulldogs, West Virginia Mountaineers, Cincinnati Bengals and Reds, and golf, he also enjoyed fishing, walking, meaningful conversations, feeding the birds, and beach time. In a final act of generosity, Jim donated his body to the Medical College of Georgia. Importantly, he often attributed his life’s successes to being a “friend of Bill’s” for almost 57 years.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to nurses Clayton and Gina, and caregivers Lizzette, Erika, and Peggy for their compassionate care in Jim’s final months.

A memorial mass to celebrate Jim’s life will be held at The Catholic Center at UGA on Saturday, August 16 at 11 am. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at https://give.michaeljfox.org or a charity of one’s choice.

Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, EAST, Athens is entrusted with arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com.