James Willard Mischler Jr., proud veteran, true patriot

James Willard Mischler Jr., of Long Neck, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, June 14, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at Beebe Healthcare. This was also Flag Day, President Trump’s 79th birthday and the 250th Army Anniversary. Jimmy loved his country!

Jim was born in Wilmington, son of his late parents, James Mischler Sr. and Janet Mae (Watts) Mischler. He graduated from Brown Vocational High School in 1967 and worked for Fleet Maintenance and Anchor Motor Freight before moving to Long Neck in 1989. Jim was then employed and retired from Tunnell Companies LLC after close to 25 years of service.

Jim was an Army veteran who was drafted and spent 14.5 months in Vietnam. In 1971, he married Linda (Pinkowski) Mischler, and shared almost 54 years together. Jim is also survived by his daughters, Patty Riley (Chuck) and Jill Walls (Craig); and his two special grandchildren, Chase and Bethany Riley. He is also survived by his sisters, Cindy Jenkins (Ray) and Betty DiDonato (Rocky), both of Wilmington; and his sister-in-law, Georgette Mischler of Townsend. He was predeceased by his brother, Lawrence Mischler.

Jim was a charter member of both Amvets Posts 2 and 22, and an active and life member of Post 22. He was also a member of American Legion Post 28 in Millsboro for close to 35 years, and Vietnam Veterans of America, Sussex County.

A viewing will be held from 10 a.m. to noon, Monday, June 23, at Melson’s Funeral Services, 32013 Long Neck Road, Millsboro, with interment following at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro. Casual attire is welcome. Jimmy wouldn’t want it any other way.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Amvets Post 22, 32369 Long Neck Road, Millsboro, DE 19966, or have a beer for Jimmy. He would have loved that!

Online condolences may be made by visiting melsonfuneralservices.com.