James B McMullin

When asked how he was doing, he would respond, "Wonderful, wonderful," and he truly was. James Boulden McMullin, also known as Jim, Mack, Dad, and Gramps, enjoyed a wonderful life from his humble beginnings born and raised in a cold barn in East Petersburg, PA, without electricity or indoor plumbing, on January 14, 1928, to a life filled with warmth, purpose, and valued friendships. Undoubtedly, he will be remembered long after his death on May 16, 2026. He was the youngest of five children born to Albert and Bertha McMullin. He was predeceased by his siblings, Elmira, Albert, Arthur, and Madeleine.

Dad was a proud graduate of J. P. McCaskey High School. He participated in track and wrestling. Upon graduation, He enlisted in the Navy Reserves and served aboard the USS Missouri. He was also employed as a carpenter before the pride of joining the Lancaster Bureau of Police in 1950 after graduating from the PA State Police Academy. Later he earned an Associate Degree at Harrisburg Area Community College. In 1959 he was sworn in as sergeant of the Juvenile Division while overseeing the School Safety Patrol Program. His fondest position began in 1972 when he was promoted to lieutenant of his great platoon. After retiring from the police department in 1988, he continued working for the Lancaster City Water Department until his second retirement at age 80.

Jim was a self-taught and highly respected naturalist and historian. With a lifelong interest in natural history, Jim was a member of Price's Boys, chairman of the Lancaster County Park Board, Vice President of the North Museum Association, a member of the Lancaster County Bird Club, and a BSA Eagle Scout with 41 merit badges.

He was a founding member and president of Grave Concern. He held life memberships and served on the boards of six Lancaster County historical societies. He was a board member of the Lancaster Cemetery. He served on the board of the Historic Downtown Walking Tour.

Jim was a past president and founding member of the Red Rose Coin Club and a founding member of the Lancaster Postcard Club. He was a life member of the American Legion. He was president of the Fraternal Order of Police, Andrew Ellicott Society, Gaelic American Society, and Union Fire Company #1. He was also a member of the BPOE Elks and Lancaster Pirates. The list continues on and on.

His honors and awards are so numerous. During a recent interview, he was asked to name his greatest honor. He didn't hesitate. He instantly replied. It was receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award at J.P. McCaskey High School in 2013.

Jim traveled the world, visiting 22 countries, and explored every nook and cranny in Lancaster County.

Gramps was a remarkable man with an extraordinary memory for details and dates unlike any other, and there never will be another. One of his great-grandchildren said that Gramps didn't need an encyclopedia or Google.

You are invited to join his children, Sandy/Dannie (Dick) Bloom and Jim/Pat (Phyllis) McMullin as well as his grandchildren, Missy (Anthony) DePietro, David (Andrea) Bloom, and James (Ally) McMullin, along with his great- grandchildren, Angelina (Michael) Barton, Hayden, Halle, Christy, Logan, JD, and Miles at Charles Snyder Funeral Home, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, PA. on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 from 6-8 pm for his viewing and on Thursday, May 21, 2026 for visitation from 10-11 am followed by his funeral at 11am.

If desired, please donate in Jim's memory to Hospice and Community Care, Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604

Yes, he was wonderful, wonderful, and memories of him will always be just that, wonderful, wonderful.