"The Grandfather I Have Not Met, Despite Having Not Met Them, But Who Formed My Faith."
Here’s an informative piece on "The Grandfather I Never Met, But Who Formed My Faith." This article delves into the life of James T. Mullaney, Jr., his maternal grandfather, who passed away in June 1986 six years before the author's death. Despite their cousins' relationship and the significant influence Mullaney had on the author during their teenage years, the author never met him. Their faith journey remains a story of personal growth, community, and a shared belief in God.---
### Introduction
James T. Mullaney, Jr., often referred to as Grampy, was a cousin to John Paul Koolman, the author's father. Grampy, born in 1960, was a tall man with a strong presence and an inspiring spirit. He was not only a grandfather but also a grandfather to James T. Mullaney, Jr., and his children. Grampy passed away on June 15, 1986, six years after the author's death in January 2025.
Grampy was one of the first people to influence the author as they grew up. His passing is a key part of their faith journey, and despite never meeting him face-to-face, the author felt an unusual connection to his legacy. Grampy's influence can be traced back to their teenage years in 1975 when John Paul met Dr. James Mullaney at a local church meeting. From that point on, Grampy's presence and teachings became a central part of the author's faith journey.
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### The Influential God
James T. Mullaney was a man with an incredible ability to see God in people. Even when he wasn't around to directly observe his faith growth, Grampy had a profound impact on the author as he grew up. He shared a deep understanding of human emotions and relationships, which became essential for the author's personal development.
Grampy taught the author that love was not just an abstract concept but something tangible they could see in people. When John Paul faced challenges, Grampy offered wisdom and encouragement. For example, one day Grampy shared a story about his late wife, who passed away after falling from grace into marriage with a new man. Grampy told the author, "If you can't find grace when things get tough, you don’t know what to do." This kind of personal insight is what made John Paul one of the most compassionate and empathetic individuals in his lifetime.
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### The Life Of The Author
John Paul Koolman was a man who never truly stopped believing. Grampy's influence continued beyond their years, shaping the author's faith journey into a life full of love, gratitude, and community. The author's early years included periods of uncertainty and difficulty in finding purpose, but Grampy's teachings were an unshakable source of strength.
In high school, John Paul faced challenges that tested his resolve: he was rejected by some boys at first, but Grampy's encouragement helped him regain his confidence. By the time he finished high school, he was already making connections with other people who shared his faith beliefs. These relationships became a foundation for the author's later experiences.
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### Grampy's Death
Grampy's passing came just as the author was beginning to form their own spiritual community. Despite never meeting him physically, Grampy's words and teachings had an indelible impact on the author. John Paul's personal growth during his time with Grampy laid the groundwork for what would become a lifelong journey of faith.
Grampy's death brought some quieting to the world after his passing, but it also left behind a sense of loss that the author felt deeply affected by. The author remembered the strength and love he had experienced in their time together and continued to carry those lessons into their own life.
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### Conclusion
James T. Mullaney Jr.'s passing is a testament to the lasting impact his influence could have on others' lives. Even though Grampy was not physically present during John Paul's lifetime, the author felt a special connection with his memory and legacy. The author reflects on how Grampy shaped their faith journey in ways they never fully understood at the time.
Grampy's life was as much about the people who knew him as it was about himself. His passing left behind a sense of loss that the author tried to work through, but ultimately, his influence continued beyond his lifetime and into the future.
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This article is a tribute to James T. Mullaney Jr., one of John Paul Koolman's closest advisors and friends. It also offers insight into the author's personal journey as they navigated their faith in the face of profound loss.
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#LongForm
