JB Mullins

(From Knell Mortuary)

Johnnie Berton Mullins Jr., Springfield, Missouri who was born on May 13, 1969, in St. Joseph, Missouri the son of the late Johnnie Mullins Sr. and Jaloyce Edwards, passed away on July 15, 2026, in Joplin, Missouri, at the age of 57, lived a life marked by intelligence, wisdom, and fierce loyalty to the people he held dear.

He was a man who valued continued learning, hard work, and the simple joys that made life fun. While his full name was Johnnie, people who knew him best knew him as JB. JB attended Cameron High School but ultimately graduated from Kickapoo High School in Springfield and went on to enlist in the military. He served in the US Army as a paratrooper, which was ironic because he had always previously been afraid of heights! 

During his service he trained not only to jump out of airplanes but to be a radio operator amongst many other roles. At one point he had been stationed in Germany, and he often loved to share memories from that time in his life. He served in the Persian Gulf War, notably Desert Storm, and the battle of 73 Easting. He continued to show his steady devotion and undying love for the brothers he served with until the day he departed. 

JB then went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Technology from Missouri State University, where he worked in Computer Information Systems for Missouri State University. While he did have many different jobs and titles throughout the years, he was known to be a great handyman. He often referred to himself as a “Jack of all trades, master of none”, a nod at his military past, no doubt. For a time, he worked for the Cameron Veterans Home. He often reminisced of the experiences and people he had met there with fondness, and he felt much pride in being able to serve others who had served his country before him.

JB will be remembered most for the love he shared with his family. He is survived by his former partner Barbara Ownby of Springfield, Missouri who he shared 18 years with respectively, and their children, Hannah Mullins and her partner Zachary Bingham of Springfield, Missouri, Aaron Mullins of Springfield, Missouri, and Legan Mooney and wife Erin of Nixa, Missouri. He is also survived by his brother, Chris Mullins of Springfield, Missouri, several half and step siblings, nieces and nephews, and many loving and caring aunts, uncles, and cousins of the northwest Missouri area where he originated. 

His family was an important part of his life, and the bonds he shared with them were a source of pride and great fulfillment. He leaves behind cherished memories that will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Those who knew JB understood that he was a thoughtful and intelligent man with a wise outlook on life. He had a deep appreciation for history and enjoyed learning about the past. He also found pleasure in the everyday things that brought comfort and enjoyment, including Springfield Cashew Chicken, cars, fishing and hunting, and working on guns. These interests reflected his personality and the balance he maintained between curiosity, practicality, and a love of the outdoors. 

Whether he was exploring a subject that interested him or spending time in quiet reflection, JB approached life with a steady and observant spirit. But ultimately, his greatest pastime was spending quality time with his kids. Everyone who knew him or encountered him could not help but hear him brag about how amazing and cherished his kids were to him. He often beamed when speaking about them to others and wasted no opportunity to remind them how proud he was of them and how much he loved them.

Family and friends can find solace in the fact that JB loved fiercely and his strong will never allowed him to give up, but that he is now and much deserved, at peace.

At ease, soldier. Until we meet again.