Mr. James F Mulvaney

Jim Mulvaney, loving husband, father, grandfather, friend, community leader & 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 & Ruth moved their growing family to San Diego, CA.
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 & senior partner at Mulvaney, Kahan & 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 & civic contributions, the list includes, but is not limited to:
Chairman, Mingei International Museum, 2000 – 2004, Co-Chairman, San Diego Organizing Project, 1983 – Present, 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 & 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.
In lieu of flowers, please send any contribution to St. Vincent De Paul Villages located at 3350 E St., San Diego, CA, 92102, and/ or The United Way, located at 4699 Murphy Canyon Rd., San Diego, CA 92122.