James Patrick McMullin of Exton

James Patrick McMullin, business leader, mentor, father, and friend to many, died suddenly on 12/24/2017 following a heart attack.

James grew up the eldest of seven in Lawncrest neighborhood of Philadelphia, where he worked as a paperboy in the early morning to support his family. He attended Archbishop Wood Catholic High School where he played varsity football and basketball and was nominated to the All-Catholic team in both sports. One of his fondest memories was being recruited for the Pennsylvania State University football team, but, ultimately, due to a shoulder injury, James put himself through college at Saint Joseph’s University. While there, he played on the freshman basketball team and enjoyed recounting his tales of glory while bringing his daughters to basketball games to watch the Hawks win.

Following graduation, as an enthusiast of human rights James volunteered at AmeriCorps VISTA in Gary, Indiana. Upon his return he commenced a career in banking at Continental Bank as a branch manager. James matriculated to Temple University for night classes and completed his MBA in 1980. Thereafter, he commenced a career in sales with Labor Relations Press. His true passion for leadership and mentorship was actualized when he made the leap to senior business executive at SunGard, rising to senior vice president. He built a top performing sales team while fostering synergistic teamwork. He inspired those with whom he worked and loved mentoring his colleagues. He was known for his welcoming, enthusiastic manner wherever he went. Ultimately, James founded Eastern Continuity wherein he contracted to provide sales and technical support for companies such as IBM.

James was also an enthusiast of human rights, known for being very generous with his time and resources. James also had a passion for the news and used to joke he was born reading a newspaper. While his intellectual curiosity made him a great teammate in Trivial Pursuit and guaranteed that, wherever you went with James, you would have great dinner conversation.

James was known for striking up conversations everywhere he went and often surprised strangers with his warm, engaging manner. He truly cared about others and actively sought opportunities to support others. When given the chance, he would often boast about his children and granddaughter but always had the time to listen when you needed to talk.

James is survived by his wife Cynthia Satterfield McMullin, daughters Melissa McMullin (David) and Elisabeth McMullin, sister Mary O’Donnell (Tom), and brothers Matthew McMullin (Mary Jo), William McMullin, Tom McMullin, John McMullin (Karen), and granddaughter, Sage Cramer.

James was laid to rest on January 6, 2018 in a private ceremony, at sea, in San Pedro, CA. A memorial service scheduled for April 7, 2018 at Weso’s Restaurant in Exton, PA. Details will follow.