James J. Mallett, 90, departed this physical earth on Monday, June 13, 2022.

Jim was born May 13, 1932, on a cotton farm in north Alabama on inherited land going back to his great grandfather William Barnard. As the youngest of seven siblings born to William and Lillie Mallett he began picking cotton before the age of four like many farm children in Depression era Cherokee County. School days made him obsessed with reading as a child, and by eleventh grade he knew he would become a civil engineer. He lettered in football at Cedar Bluff High School. In 1951, he hitchhiked to Auburn with only $600, becoming the second in his family to attend university. Working intermittently when funds ran low until he was selected for a full NROTC scholarship in 1952 and commissioned as a 2 ^nd Lt USMC on Sept. 6, 1955. After active duty he was discharged in 1958 as Captain USMCR to begin his life as a civil engineer.

Jim was employed by a number of engineering firms, including Rust Engineering Birmingham for 10 years, during which time he earned a MSCE from the University of Illinois and an MBA from UAB followed by a period living in CT and commuting to work in New York City. He was Head Engineer at Crom Corporation Gainesville, FL but returned to Pensacola to teach Engineering Studies until starting his own firm in 1979. As a consulting engineer, he provided structural and civil engineering services for over 2,450 projects including schools, condominiums, military facilities, industrial facilities, aircraft hangars, residences with a dedicated staff of 10 employees. He mentored many young people, helping them succeed in pursuing their education and careers. In 2002 his firm received the Grand Award from the Florida Institute of Consulting Engineers for the Pensacola Christian College Regent Auditorium and a National Recognition Award in Washington DC. A faithful Auburn alumnus, Jim donated time, talent and fundraising for the School of Engineering and served since 2004 on the Dean's Council.

Jim felt fortunate to be on this earth during his allotted time, in the military when no bullets were flying, after vaccines had been developed and when there was a period of prosperity. His was a life well lived with wife Martha Mallett for 33 years and mother of his children Margaret Yeager Mallett for the prior 29 years. Jim loved fishing at his cabin and spending time around a bonfire with family and friends. He leaves a strong legacy of a cherished and extended family as a beloved husband, father, stepdad, uncle, brother, granddad "Jimmie", mentor and friend.

He is survived by his wife Martha; daughters, Laura Mallett and Lisa (Frank) Browne; stepchildren, Adam Bruce (Iva Leon) and Mary Michael (David) Marlo; beloved grandchildren, Ben Mandel, Dorothy Powell, Max Mandel, Nick Browne, Hallie Browne, Claire Marlo, and Grant Marlo; as well as seven great-grandchildren.

Memorial Visitation will be held 4:00pm until a Memorial Service to begin at 5:00pm Sunday, June 19, 2022, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel.

Click this link to view additional details about James's Services, including any available live streams: https://my.gather.app/remember/james-mallett