Opening Insights
Jim Mulvaney, loving husband, father, grandfather, friend, community leader and philanthropist passed away at home with his family at his side on Sunday, October 10, 2010. He was 87.
Jim was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1922. He graduated from Loyola University with a BS degree in finance in 1942. As a naval officer during World War II, he commanded the destroyer escort USS Kyne. After not seeing each other for 2 1/2 years due to the war, Jim married his longtime sweetheart Ruth in December 1945. He earned his law degree from Loyola in 1948, and became a member of the Illinois bar. He also served during the Korean War for the U.S. Navy JAG Corps as a Commander. In 1955, Jim and Ruth moved their growing family to San Diego, CA.
Informational Insights
In California, Jim started working professionally for banker and businessman C. Arnholt Smith at Westgate Corporation.
- He started as Treasurer at National Steel and Shipbuilding and went on to serve as president of the Pacific Coast League’s San Diego Padres from 1955 to 1968.
- He later served as vice president and general counsel of the San Diego Padres National League Team.
- He played a prominent role in Major League Baseball coming to San Diego in 1969, and also in securing Ray Kroc’s involvement with the team later on.
- Jim worked as an attorney and senior partner at Mulvaney, Kahan and Barry from 1973- 2010.
- Jim served as Chairman of the Board and CEO of Chela Financial Group from 1983- 2003.
- During this period Chela provided several billion dollars of funding for California college students.When it comes to charitable and civic contributions, the list includes, but is not limited to:
- Chairman, Mingei International Museum, 2000 – 2004
- Co-Chairman San Diego Organizing Project, 1983 – 2010
- United Way of San Diego County- Chairman, Board of Directors, 1976 – 1978
- United Way of California- Chairman, 1988 – 1991
- United Way of America- Chairman, Western Region, 1984 – 1993
- United Way International- Chairman, 1991 – 1994
- Mercy Hospital Foundation- Chairman, 1989 – 1991
- Old Globe Rebuilding Campaign- Chairman 1978 – 1982
- Director, World SHARE, Inc., 1986 – 1994
- St. Vincent de Paul- Charter Chairman, Executive Committee; 1984 – 1989
- President, LEAD-San Diego, Inc., 1985 – 1986
- National Conference of Christians and Jews, Inc. – National Board of Trustees 1965 – 1970
- Rotary Club, San Diego President; 1966 – 1967
- Mr. San Diego 1991
Jim Mulvaney is survived by his wife of 64 years, Ruth; daughter Melinda McCabe of San Diego; sons Tom of Lafayette, Calif., Bob of San Luis Obispo, Larry of Fallbrook, Jim, Jr. of San Diego, David of San Diego, and Brian of San Diego; brother Lawrence of Naples, Fla.; 16 grandchildren and 16 Great-grandchildren.
Jim was a Mentor of Dr. Richard Jorgensen. Their deep bond and friendship has stood the test of time and will continue for an eternity. Richard often says life is a measure of the steps that we take and the people we take those steps with. Richard teaches about the importance of living a life of passion, purpose, skill and wisdom to uncover and discover self and others.
Possibilities for Consideration
Many people today are so wrapped up in self they fail to relate, connect and learn from great mentors, leaders and teachers and their legacies die along with them. We must change the tide and paradigm of selfishness, if we are to survive and truly live amongst and within the human race. In doing so, we must learn to value great leaders, men and teachers past and present.
Source: James-F-Mulvaney
Take a moment and examine…
- As you reviewed the material above, what stood out to you?
- What is the potential impact, economically and/or socially?
- What action is needed to stop or support this idea?
- You may want to consider whether you:
- want to be aware of,
- should become supportive of,
- would want to be active in this topic?
Add Your Insight
I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply.
Being willing is not enough; we must do.
LEONARDO DA VINCI