James D. Mulcahey

James (Jim) Mulcahey, 65, of Lafayette, Indiana, passed away on August 11, 2025. He was born on July 13, 1960, to Edward and Betty Mulcahey. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, as well as a niece and brother-in-law.

Jim is survived by his three sisters: Mary Hawkins (Newman, Illinois), Margret Mulcahey (Hoopeston, Illinois), and Theresa Smith (Allerton, Illinois); and his brother, Tom Mulcahey (Brownsburg, Indiana). He was also the proud father of two daughters, Emily Scott (Cody) of Aurora, Missouri, and Rachel Gibbens (Caleb) of Springfield, Missouri. Jim was a loving grandfather to Layton Scott and Sage Gibbens.

Jim’s early years were spent on a farm in Allerton, Illinois, where he graduated from ABL High School in 1978. During high school, Jim was a talented athlete, excelling as the quarterback of the football team, the point guard of the basketball team, and a pitcher for both a summer league and the Parkland baseball team. He went on to graduate from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 1982 with a degree in Broadcasting and Business.

After college, Jim worked in various fields, including roofing and traveling across many states. He worked for Arrow Glass, Birkey’s, and Flex-N-Gate in Urbana, Illinois, before relocating to Lafayette, Indiana. In Lafayette, he became a buyer for Toyota and later transitioned to Subaru, where he worked until his retirement at the age of 59.

Throughout his life, Jim was a devoted fitness enthusiast, regularly attending gyms and staying active. His passion for sports was unmatched; he was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs, the Chicago Bears, and the University of Illinois Fighting Illini football and basketball teams. Many friends fondly referred to him as a “walking encyclopedia” of sports statistics and records.

A visitation will be held from 8:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.  Funeral mass will begin at 10:00 a.m. with Father Trummer officiating.  The family would love for those attending to wear Illini, Chicago Cubs, or Chicago Bears attire.  Burial will follow at the Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Bongard, IL.

In honor of Jim’s life, donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, 1212 South Street, Lafayette, Indiana 47901.

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