James Robert Mulkey

James Robert “Bob” Mulkey of Blain, age 73, passed away unexpectedly and too soon on January 30, 2022.  Born in Murphy, NC to the late John and Nellie (Mintz) Mulkey on June 26, 1948, “Bob” was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.  He is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Kristeen (Raffield) Mulkey, two daughters:  Melissa “Michele” Mulkey and Amanda Mulkey, both of Blain; one granddaughter, Michele Mary-Kristeen Mulkey of Blain, and two sisters:  Lindia (Terry) Brady of Virmillia, SD and Freddie (William) Waid of Altaville, CA; and many nieces and nephews.  In addition to his parents, Bob is preceded in death by four siblings:  Frank Mulkey, John Mulkey, Barbara Mulkey, and his younger brother Roy Mulkey, who preceded his brother Bob in death by one day.

After graduating from North Eastern High School in Ohio, Bob took his “senior class trip” to Vietnam, paid for by Uncle Sam.  Bob proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corp.  While serving, he earned the Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Commendation w/ Palm, Rifle Expert Badge, Silver Star w/ Combat, Bronze Star w/ Combat, 3 Purple Hearts, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/ Scroll, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation Medal, and Meritorious Unit Commendation.  Bob served his country for 10 years as a Marine, and then the next 29 years combined in the USMC Reserves and Army National Guard.  He retired from the Naval Supply Depot in Mechanicsburg as a Training Specialist.

Bob was a complex man.  His passions were varied and included the Blain Lions Club and Blain Honor Guard.  He loved surf and salmon fishing, hunting, acting in 10 different theatrical productions, and writing both theater productions and poetry.

The family wishes to take this opportunity to thank a few very special people for their unwavering support during Bob’s sudden death.  Thank you so much for their good neighbors, Chip and Maria Donson for being so supportive.  Also, special thanks to Pastor Trevor Lightner and his family and Heather and Allen Adair.

As per Bob’s wishes, he will return home with his family.  Due to the unexpectedness of his death, the family wishes to grieve privately.  Also, at Bob’s request, they are currently planning an Irish Céilí, which is a traditional Irish gathering to honor and celebrate Bob’s life.  The event is scheduled to take place on Bob’s birthday, June 26, 2022.  If you wish to make a memorial donation in Bob’s name, please consider contributing to Blain Fire Company, 4 West Main Street, Blain, PA  17006.

Arrangements entrusted to Nickel Lochstampfor Family Funeral Home of Loysville.

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