In Loving Memory of James J. Mikulin, Jr.

March 19, 1949 – April 27, 2025

James J. Mikulin, Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2025 following a difficult journey with memory loss. He was 76.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife, Janet Mikulin; his loving daughters, Rebecca Woods and Sandra Ndiaye; and his cherished grandsons, Philip and Oliver Ndiaye. He is also survived by his dear sisters, Delores Moll, Ginny Durand, and Jean Shilling. He will be remembered not only for the deep love he had for his family, but for the way he touched the lives of countless others through his work, hobbies, and generous spirit.

A lifelong enthusiast of airplanes of all sizes and baseball, Jim found beauty and inspiration in both the skies above and the game below. His fascination with flight was more than a hobby—it was a source of joy and excitement throughout his life.  He could regularly be found piloting Cessnas as a young adult and model airplanes in his middle and later years. His dedication to aviation inspired those around him to join in the fun and fly with him.

He also enjoyed spending time with his daughters, often as apprentices in baseball, woodworking, boating, fishing, and occasionally, an old-fashioned practical joke. Jim approached each interest with a craftsman's hand and a dreamer's heart. 

Professionally, Jim dedicated himself to teaching and mentoring students who connected with him. His career grew from teaching middle school shop class to guiding high school vocational students in fine woodworking and home building, to teaching computer drafting at Ozark High School.  His students remember him as a teacher who truly cared about them. His contagious love of learning, resourcefulness, high expectations of his students, and mischievous sense of humor defined his teaching style.

To honor Jim’s memory, a Celebration of Life will be held at the RC airplane flying field, McCauley Field in Nixa, Missouri, on Saturday, June 14th, 2025 from 11:00AM -2:00PM. Friends, family, and all those whose lives he touched are invited to come together to remember and celebrate a life well-lived. For information or RSVP, please message ndiasandra@gmail.com

Jim’s legacy is one of friendship, dedication, and wisdom—a reminder to laugh often, and never stop being curious about the world.