Former Teacher, Fire Chief Dies

James Leonard Mullins, a retired teacher and former Chief of the Jackson Fire Department, died on New Year’s Eve after a long illness.

He was 80.

Mullins was a teacher in the Breathitt County School System for nearly thirty years.

In the late 1960s, Mullins joined the Jackson Fire Department after a series of fires in the community forced the city of Jackson to recruit more volunteers.  He trained and spent several years volunteering his time.  In 1971, he was promoted to the rank of Captain in the local department.

In 1972, Mullins was one of four firefighters injured when a set of stairs collapsed while the JFD fought a blaze at the Texaco bulk plant on Armory Drive.  Mullins was transported to the Hazard Hospital, where he was treated for multiple cuts and bruises.

He returned to the fire service several weeks later and was elected Vice President when the Jackson Volunteer Fire Department was officially organized on June 22, 1974.

Mullins also served for several years as Assistant Chief and was named Chief of the Department in the 1980s, a position he held for several years.

He was the son of Franklin and Elizabeth (Smith) Mullins of Davis Fork on Frozen.

Mullins, his sister, Wanda, and brother, Frank, created an annual destination for many who ventured to their home on Davis Fork every Christmas to see the light display.  In a 2019 interview, Wanda Mullins said she designed the display, and Frank and Leonard were “in charge of installation and maintenance.” 

Leonard Mullins was an active member of Breathitt Lodge No. 649, where he served as Master in 1973.  He also served as the presiding officer of the Jackson Chapter No. 160, the Jackson Council No. 112, and the Hazard Commandery No. 47.  He was awarded the York Cross of Honour in 1985 for his service to the Masons.

Private memorial services were held Tuesday at the graveside in the family cemetery on Davis Fork.