James Joseph Mueller

James Joseph Mueller died peacefully at home surrounded by family on January 20, 2016 in Ballinger, Texas at the age of 81.


James was born on June 1, 1934 in Moulton, TX to Walter Frank and Mary Caroline Mueller. He graduated from Ballinger High School in 1951 and married the love of his life Rose Josephine Mokry, on July 1, 1954. James and Rose settled in Ballinger and were blessed with nine children, which earned him the nickname “Big Daddy”. James developed a strong work ethic from a very early age, both farming and working at his father’s sheet metal shop. James and his brother, Harold, successfully managed and expanded the family sheet metal business, Mueller Supply Company. During this time, he also served as a Sergeant in the National Guard for 16 years.
After selling the business and retiring in 1984, James lived life large and had many hobbies including golf, fishing and developing 250 acres of land into what would become the Fun Farm, a family retreat where countless memories were made. A jack of all trades, James was accomplished at many things. He’s been a businessman, plumber, welder, well driller, pump fixer, windmill man, farmer, rancher, sheet-metal worker and civic leader.

James loved drinking whiskey, playing cards with his family and friends, and teasing just about anyone he encountered to make them laugh. Most of all, he loved his family, and his happiest times were when his children and grandchildren were all together. Before his health declined, he enjoyed travelling the world with Rose and coordinating annual fishing trips with his sons and sons-in-law.
James was a generous father and friend and never hesitated to help anyone in need. He was a dedicated member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He was also active in the Lion’s Club and many other community groups.

James is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Rose Josephine Mueller; his children, Peggy Freeman (Jimmy) of Ballinger, Christine Thomas (Rocky) of Ballinger; Nancy Tucker (Mark) of San Angelo; Janet Mueller of Brownwood; David Mueller (Bertha) of Bronte; Judy Moffett (Mark) of Ballinger; Kerri May (Walt) of Sweetwater; and Gina Budd (Scott) of Austin; his daughter-in-law, Tammie Mueller of Ballinger; his brother, Harold Mueller (Margaret) of San Angelo; and twenty-five grandchildren and thirty-one great-grandchildren. James is preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Mary Mueller; his son, Steven Mueller; his daughter-in-law, Anna Mueller; and his grandson, Kevin Mueller.

Pallbearers include Larry Lange, Wayne Herrmann, Tim Kelly, Bill Brown, James Sizemore and Alvin Hallmark. Honorary pallbearers include his grandsons, Stephen Freeman, Matt Freeman, Zac Busenlener, Adam Busenlehner, Jonathan Kennedy, Jake Snell, Kevin Mueller, Todd Mueller, James Moffett, Keith Moffett, Whitley May and Max May.

Rosary will be recited on Friday, January 22 at 6 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, January 23 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with burial following at Evergreen Cemetery. A celebration of Big Daddy’s life will follow at the Fun Farm.

We would like to express sincere gratitude to all his doctors and caregivers, especially Dr. Carl Anderton, Penny Griffin and the staff at Shannon Medical Center. The family requests memorials be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 608 N 6th St, Ballinger, TX 76821, or the Ballinger Carnegie Library, 204 N 8th St, Ballinger, TX 76821.

An Old Irish Blessing
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall softly upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.