James Donald Mullings, 96, passed away Oct. 26 in Trinidad, CO. He
was born Feb. 8 in Alamosa, CO, and raised on various farms outside
Mosca, CO. He married Betty Weigang in Alamosa on Dec. 23, 1951. She
preceded him in death in 2013. He was a resident of Raton, NM for 67
years.
Jim and Betty met at Adams State College, where both earned education
degrees. They lived in Sanford, CO, Pueblo and then Raton.
At Raton Junior High school, Jim first taught history. He went on to earn a
master’s degree through study at Penn State University and Texas
University, and was the school’s guidance counselor for many years. He
was an involved Student Council sponsor for decades, chaperoning groups
to many state conventions. He taught for a total of 37 and a half years and
enriched the lives of multitudes of students.
Jim was active in teachers’ organizations, both at the local and state
levels. He earned distinguished awards for his efforts. He was named New
Mexico’s teacher of the year in 1999, and was installed in the National
Education Association-New Mexico’s Hall of Fame.
Jim was an amateur artist and produced a prodigious number of artworks.
He loved to identify art potential in everyday life and his paintings portrayed
that. He was named the “Raton Treasure” by the Raton Arts Council in 2008.
He was a long-time scoutmaster of Raton’s Troop 73, guiding trips to the
National Boy Scout Jamboree in 1969, a trek at Philmont Scout Ranch, and
a host of other outdoor adventures. He also worked at Philmont in the
summer of 1967 as program director at the Volunteer Training Center.
Jim was an active member of the Raton Lions Club, and served many
years as its secretary. He also served on the state level. He attended
International conventions. He was instrumental in the refurbishing efforts of
the club’s City of Bethlehem display in 1982. He served several terms on
the City of Raton Water Board.
Jim was a dedicated member of the First Presbyterian Church for many
years, serving as Elder, Commissioner to Presbytery and Sunday School
and Vacation Bible school teacher.
After retirement, Jim and Betty enjoyed extensive travel, including Europe
as well as every state in the United States, much of that in their RV.
Survivors include children: Richard, Janeen (Marvin) Utley, David, Gail
(Phil) Cimino. Grandchildren: Lindsay (Craig) Lodis, Curt (Kieyla) Utley,
Erin (Rafael) Mosqueda, Rachel Cimino, Luke Cimino and Leah Cimino
(Dustin Gonzales), along with 5 great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Nov. 9, at 11 a.m. at the United
Methodist Church, 1501 S. Fourth Street in Raton.
Memorial gifts can be made to the Raton Lions Club, PO Box 777,
Raton,NM 87740.
Arrangements are being handled by the Mullare-Murphy Funeral Home in
Trinidad.
