James Landgrin Mallini Jr.

Published 12:01 am Sunday, September 14, 2014

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April 20, 1937 – Aug. 31, 2014

BAY ST. LOUIS — Memorial services for James Landgrin “Jim” Mallini Jr., 77, who died peacefully Sunday, Aug. 31, 2014, after a valiant nine month battle with lung cancer, surrounded by family and friends at his home, “Safe Harbor” in Bay St. Louis, will be at 10 a.m. at the Washington Street Pier at the pavilion.

Arrangements are under the direction of Jeanne Edmond Fahey Funeral Home of Bay St. Louis.

Jim was born April 20, 1937, in Mobile, Ala., the son of James L. Mallini Sr. and Martha “Cappi” Waters Mallini. He grew up in Henderson Point, Pass Christian.

Upon graduation from St. Stanislaus, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps. After 22 years in the Marine Corps, Jim, better known as “Gunny,” retired as a first sergeant. During his military career, he served as a drill instructor at Paris Island, S.C., and a gunny sergeant during the Vietnam War. He completed his career in the military as first sergeant, recruiter and instructor of the ROTC program at Iowa State University.

Jim was very proud of his military career life and had stated a number of times he regretted giving it up. Among his many accomplishments was his winning smile, his way with people, his love for fishing, boating and his love of water. He was a wonderful cook and took great pride in all that he prepared. Many will remember the numerous boat trips that he would somehow turn into an adventure.

For the past six years, Mallini and his wife, Donna, had shared their home with a number of family members and friends from all across the country. During that time, reunions were hosted for the Marines of Delta 1-26 at “Safe Harbor.” These marines traveled from a number of states to share and tell their stories or Vietnam and their present lives. This was the highlight for Jim and Donna each year. The marines looked to Jim as a father figure in Vietnam and after. What more could a man desire from the men he served with and instructed.

Our marine was a gentle loving man and never met a stranger. He will be solely missed. Pray for us to keep looking forward.

Mr. Mallini was preceded in death by his first wife, Jeanette Kochi Mallini; his parents; one sister, Delores “Dee” Castlin; and one brother, Donald Millini.

Survivors include his second wife, Mary Ma “Donna” Young Mallini; two daughters, Leanne Mallini of Dallas and Janell Mallini Nolan of Diamondhead; one son, Keith Mallini of Kona, Hawaii; two stepdaughters, Effie “Mandy” Young Sanford of Natchez and Natalie Young Hollenbeck of Irving, Texas; one stepson, Ronald Perrauld Young of Odenville,Ala.; five grandchildren, Alex, Elliot and Ella Nolan, Carmen and Emma Mallini; six step-grandchildren, Caraline “Cara” Sanford, Nicholas and Joshua Hollenbeck, Kalysta, Caitlyn and Caden Young; one sister, Marie Niolet; one brother, Dewayne Mallini, both of Pass Christian; and a number of family members and friends.

The Mallini family extends a special thanks to all who helped during his illness. Also, to the Edmond Fahey Funeral Home and Jim’s special friend, Dr. Andy Martinolich, who shared prayers with him daily. Love for Jim will endure as long as we hold on to the memories of him.

God speed Jim, we love you.

semper fi.