James Edward Muller was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away on his 80th birthday on Sunday, April 27, 2014.

Jim was born and raised in New Orleans. He left to begin a lifetime career in the U.S. Merchant Marine. He was hired by Atlantic Refining Company as a merchant seaman.

In 1957, he was called to serve in the U.S. Army. While stationed at Fort Bliss, he met his wife, Hope. They married in 1959, after Jim was honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces. They moved to Philadelphia to resume his career.

In 1966, they moved back to El Paso, Texas, where they established their permanent residence. Jim commuted from El Paso to various ports of sea. He also attended Cal Poly Pomona Culinary Arts School in California.

He was promoted to Chief Steward, which was a position he thoroughly enjoyed until his retirement from ARCO in 1995. He enjoyed his retirement by caring for his grandchildren, completing numerous home improvement projects and being a sports spectator.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Irene Muller, of La Place; his wife, Esperanza “Hope” Muller, of El Paso, his sister, Elizabeth Orbeck of La Place; and his brothers: Joseph Muller of Metairie, Clyde, Wilford, and Jesse Muller of New Orleans; and Thomas Muller of Long Beach, Calif.

He is survived by his children, James Muller, Jr. (wife, Roseanne) of Leonardtown, Md., Elizabeth Muller of El Paso; and Christina Dorado (husband, Sean) of Vail, Ariz.; and grandchildren: Ashley, Haylee, Alexis and Natalie Dorado and Joseph Flores. He is also survived by his brother, Martin D. Muller, of La Place, and many other family members and friends from across the world.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 8, 2014, at Martin Funeral Home, 3839 Montana, El Paso, Texas, with a Rosary at 6 p.m. Funeral services are on Friday, May 9, 2014 at 10 a.m. at Fort Bliss National Cemetery.

Honorary Pallbearers are James Muller, Jr.; Joseph Flores; Sean Dorado; Martin Muller, Lawrence Orbeck and Walter Muller.

In lieu of flowers, his family requests donations be made to www.kickcancerforstephen.com, a foundation that assists children with cancer.