MUDGE, JAMES RUSSELL "JIMMY"

MUDGE, JAMES RUSSELL "JIMMY"

November 22,1943 - August 21, 2016
Atlantic Beach, Florida

Jimmy Mudge, an amazingly witty man with a beautiful mind, a magnetic personality and a dazzling smile, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2016 with his beloved wife, Margo by his side. He was 72 years young!
Jimmy made his grand entrance on November 22, 1943 when his parents John Russell "Russ" Mudge and Dorothy Jane "Dot" Grant Mudge, after attending a ball game, had to get off the train in Bridgeport, CT for his sudden arrival.
Jimmy had a wonderful childhood moving many times with his family when his Dad was promoted with General Electric. He graduated from DeKalb HS and attended Northwestern University majoring in Business Administration and was a member of Chi Psi Fraternity. He spent most of his adult life in and around the Chicago area. Jim was a natural born salesman and had a stellar career with Pitney Bowes Inc. spanning 31 years. He last served as "National Sales Director " of the Production Mail Division. Pitney Bowes was the portal that gifted him lifelong relationships. It was also where he met the love of his life, Margo. Every city he traveled to, Jim would open the phone book and say "Just look at all the people we have to meet!"
Jimmy loved music, dancing, theater and Italian food. His quick wit and colossal sense of humor knew no match. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing with his buddies at Jacksonville Beach Golf Course. He had the pleasure of competing with Jack Nicklaus in college (Jack won). He also took "First Place" in a Pro Am with Vijay Singh in 1996. Jimmy loved Atlantic Beach where he and Margo made their nest in 1999. He was a die hard Cubs, Dodgers and Northwestern Wildcats fan. He had a soft spot for all of God's creatures, especially his #1 kitty Kramer and his furry brothers, Bogie, Buddy, Cozmo and Harry. He was the worlds greatest "Kitty Dad"!
Jimmy had a zest for life and always declared himself a "Lucky Dog". He lead a remarkable life and had beaten the odds numerous times. After a stoic two year battle with lung cancer, he succumbed.
Jim will be joining his mom and dad and his best friend Tom in heaven. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his soulmate and wife of 18 years, Margo Mazza Mudge, his brothers, Michael Mudge (Debbie), Craig Mudge (Pam), son Andrew Mudge (Kari), daughter Katherine "Kate" Mudge (Amy) and two grandsons, Tyler and Dylan. He will also be missed by his nephews, Grant and Sterling, niece Hilary and their families as well as his cousins Todd Mudge and Martha Phillips. He had a vast host of great friends who are also mourning his earthly departure.
His family wants to express their heartfelt gratitude to his Mayo family, Dr. Michael Menefee, Jessica MacMillan and Nancy Wansor for their unwavering love, care and support as well as all of the staff at McGraw Hospice Center who made his final days a blessing.
As Jimmy wanted it, his ashes will be sprinkled in the Atlantic Ocean and there will be a "BIG PARTY" to celebrate his life at future date "to be announced".
In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to the following: Mayo Clinic (mayoclinic.org/give) or (855-852-8129) or (Make Checks Payable to "Mayo Clinic" 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224), Pet Haven of Minnesota (pethavenmn.org), Northeast Florida Community Hospice (community hospice.com) *Please include designation and tribute with your gift and ask that Margo Mudge be notified of your donation)
"Jimmy Mudge" A passionate man who could not resist a glass of fine wine and a good cigar!