JIM MULLANEY

SARATOGA SPRINGS - Jim Mullaney died Friday, April 20, after a struggle with pancreatic cancer that lasted over a year. A memorial will be held noon Saturday, April 28, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church on Broadway in Saratoga Springs. Jim was the son of Jim and Libby Mullaney and he was born in Saratoga Springs May 21, 1946. He was predeceased by his parents and his eldest sister Anne, and he leaves behind siblings Carol Bailey, Margaret Kohn and Mike Mullaney. He also left behind 13 terrific nieces and nephews and four outstanding godchildren. Jim graduated from St. Peter’s Academy in 1964, then spent a year at Siena College before enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1966. Upon his discharge he attended Marquette University and the University of Nevada – Reno, where he earned his BA, majoring in history with a minor in philosophy. Most of his working life was spent in Human Services, either as a caseworker for Saratoga County or working in various mental-health facilities in New York, as well as with the VA Hospital in Reno. Jim was a frontline hospital corpsman serving in the Marine Corps with the 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division in Viet Nam from May, 1968 until June of 1969. He was highly decorated “for his courage and composure under fire.” He was praised by Gen. Henry Buse for his diligence and unlimited resourcefulness. He participated in 10 major combat operations including Operations Kentucky and Taylor Common. Jim also volunteered his time as a driver for the American Cancer Society, Meals on Wheels and the Shelters of Saratoga. He loved nature and was adept at wildlife photography. He loved to peek into and photograph birds in their nest, managing to do it without disturbing the inhabitants. Jim read the Western canon with the poems of Wordsworth, Holderlin and Frost among his favorites. He also drew inspiration from the philosophers Heidegger, Spinoza and Hegel. Jim made long and lasting friends in the military, on college campuses and in his hometown. He particularly enjoyed spending time with his beloved friend Tracy. Toward the end, his local friends were on immeasurable help to Jim and a great source of warmth, kindness and support. In keeping with Jim’s desire to advance science and medicine, he has donated his remains to the Albany Medical Center’s Anatomical Gift program.