Jim Ed and Jane Mulkin have lived in Bessemer all their lives—how they continue to serve

Jim Ed and Jane Mulkin have been married for sixty-eight years and have dedicated so much of their time and service to their hometown of Bessemer. We spoke with the inspiring couple to learn more about their passion for serving—from creating a scholarship at UAB to helping local small business owners follow their dreams.

Meet Bessemer’s Jim Ed and Jane Mulkin

If you’re from Bessemer, you’ve probably heard of the Mulkins. They’ve both lived in the Alabama town for nearly their entire lives and are strong leaders in the community.

With three sons and six grandchildren, Jane told me that her and Jim Ed’s faith, church and family are of the utmost importance in their lives.

“We’ve always been involved in civic things around Bessemer. We serve through Meals on Wheels, Feed my Starving Children, local food banks and our local church, Pleasant Hill Methodist.”

Jane Mulkin

They also love spending time outdoors and gardening together.

Fun fact: Jane collects vintage clothing and has donated some incredible pieces to the theatre department at UAB.

One of Jane’s best decisions was going to UAB

When their youngest son went off to college, Jane decided she wanted to go to school and further her education at UAB.

“I loved it so much. I was around 20 years older than most of the students, but I was so impressed with how hardworking they were and how many of them had to give up so much to go to school. It changed the way I looked at life.”

Jane Mulkin

After she graduated, she created the Jane White Mulkin Endowed Scholarship to support non-traditional students who are attending school while working and caring for their families.

Jane’s passion for helping others became more and more evident as we talked over the phone.

“I think serving and investing in our community is a responsibility we all have. Instead of sitting back and complaining about things, we try to be a small part of making things a little better. That’s always been our outlook.”

Jane Mulkin

Going to UAB was one of Jane’s best decisions

Jim Ed was born in Bessemer in 1930 and according to his wife, he’s been a part of just about every important thing in the town.

He played football in high school, went on to play at Sewanee and later joined the Air Force where he served in the Korean War. Still, some of his proudest moments are serving his community in Bessemer.

He’s an usher at his church and has served on the board of the First Financial Bank, the Legacy YMCA and Bessemer’s Industrial Board.

“I’ve been on the Industrial Board since it was formed, and you cannot believe how much we have done for Bessemer through it. The board tries to help people work things out and bring industry to town, from large businesses like Amazon to smaller one-man operations.”

Jim Ed Mulkin

He told me how important it was for him to help people who want to go into business accomplish their goals—and that’s exactly what he did through the Industrial Board.

Last month, the Bessemer Industrial Board named their business center after Jim Ed and the impact he’s made on the city.

“I was so shocked! I knew it was going to be my last meeting, but I had no idea they were doing that. My children came, the bank board came, it was a really touching moment.

We have been so blessed to live long lives and still be healthy, so we want to do as much as we can for our community.”

Jim Ed Mulkin

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