James Malburn Mudd, the self-proclaimed “Manzanita Man of the Century”, was born February 28th, 1941 to Jane Crossley and Malburn Mudd in Vancouver, Washington. Growing up as an only child, he was given the life skills that shaped his values and contributed towards his vibrant storytelling and love of music.
Jim was a “Beaver Believer”, a devoted fraternity brother of Beta Theta Pi, and a sports enthusiast. During his college years, he met the love of his life, Lynn Newberg, who was his ‘girlfriend’ for the past 53 years.
Jim adored his three children, Bradley Mudd, Holly Mudd Ferber, and Michael Mudd, as well as his five grandchildren, Abigail Mudd, Max Ferber, Carly Ferber, Charlotte Mudd, and Samantha Mudd. His life was devoted to his family, community, music, friends, and faith. As Jim often said, “Life doesn’t get any better than this.”
Jim spent over 30 years with Bridgestone/Firestone, where he traveled a great deal, including trips to Chicago, which is where his love affair with Chicago style hotdogs began. He was able to combine his love of cooking, zest for conversing, and passion for live music at his local hot dog cart, Manzanita Mudd Dog. He lived by the motto, “Never Trust a Skinny Chef”.
As a Master Mason, Jim went on to become a Shriner. His passion has always been to make people happy and improve children’s lives. He co-founded the Mudd Nick Foundation, which provides children in the North Tillamook County with life-changing enrichment and educational opportunities. Jim was the proud recipient of the Governor’s Volunteer Award for Lifetime Achievement as well as the Citizen of the Year Award in Manzanita, OR.
Jim Mudd passed away in the presence of his loving wife and children in Phoenix, Arizona on October 1, 2018. He was the real deal.
Please join his family at 2:00 pm in the Neah-kah-nie High School Gym on October 27th, 2018 to celebrate his life. Following the service, please join us at the North County Recreation District to remember the unofficial mayor of Manzanita.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider instead a donation to Jim’s passion, the Mudd Nick Foundation – http://muddnickfoundation.org/
