John “Jack” Mullins

Age 82, of Philadelphia and East Lansing, died June 8, 2013 in East Lansing with his wife Donna at his side. Jack was born and raised in Philadelphia.  After serving in the Korean Conflict, he returned to Philly to attend the University of Pennsylvania where he received a PhD in physical chemistry.  His post-doctoral work was completed at Brandeis University.  After teaching at Bucknell University, he began teaching in the Department of Natural Science at Michigan State University where he shared his love of science to college freshman.  He and his colleague Don Weinshank were pioneers of televised classes at MSU.  He gained some fame from the class he taught as Copernicus dressed in academic robes.  In 1986 and 1987, Jack taught chemistry at the Institut Teknologi MARA in Malaysia.

Jack retired from MSU in 1997 returning to his beloved Philadelphia where he spent his days recording the city through photography.  He was particularly fond of taking pictures of dogs in Rittenhouse Square which he printed and gave to their owners.

Jack spent the final month of his life back in East Lansing where he received the loving support of friends and family. Jack is survived by two sons, Benjamin of Ann Arbor and Andrew of Portland, Oregon; Bill and Helen “Winnie” Hagan; and Patricia Mullins. Of his many friends, Fran Ekern is perhaps the most special and deserves warm acknowledgement.

A wake will be held at a future date.  Instead of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Capital Area Humane Society or the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.