of Little Rock, AR
November 23, 1941 - April 15, 2013
Dr. James S. Mulhollan, age 71, of Little Rock, died April 15, 2013. Known to colleagues as Jim, to friends and family as Jimmy, Dad or Grandpa, Dr. Mulhollan was a prominent Little Rock knee surgeon and father of three children, two stepchildren, and a grandfather of five.
Jim was born in Fort Smith in 1941 to parents Paige Elwood Mulhollan and Ruth Dickenson Berry Mulhollan, owners of a retail furniture business in Northwest Arkansas.
He attended the U of A at Fayetteville, and graduated from the University of Tennessee Medical School in Memphis in 1966, with a residency in orthopedics at Campbell Clinic in Memphis before entering the US Navy, serving as Lt. Commander at Camp Lejeune, NC.
He returned to Little Rock in 1973 and joined a private orthopedic practice, Arkansas Orthopedic Associates. In 1979 he established a solo practice, Arkansas Knee Clinic.
Dr. Mulhollan was a pioneer of arthroscopic knee surgery. In the late 70's arthroscopy was a nascent technology, with only a small handful of surgeons employing it, somewhat experimentally. Dr. Mulhollan recognized the arthroscope's potential to help patients overcome common knee problems without invasive procedures, and decided to bring it to Arkansas. He developed his abilities by traveling to places where other doctors were working with the arthroscope, and by inviting surgeons from as far away as Scandinavia to visit Little Rock and work with him in the operating room. As arthroscopy of the knee gradually became common, Dr. Mulhollan was recognized as one of its foremost practitioners. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Arthroscopy Association of North America, taught courses around the country, and held five US patents for surgical devices used in the procedure. He retired having performed over 10,000 cases of arthroscopic knee surgery.
Jim was a great lover of sailing. He was active in the Grande Maumelle Sailing Club, where he had served as Commodore, and raced Flying Scotts. He also passionately loved dogs, birds, gardening, and cooking. He was a truly masterful, self-taught baker of breads.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Paige Mulhollan.
Jim is survived by his wife of 18 years, Brenda; three children, Jimmy Mulhollan of Brooklyn, NY, Grace Ann Gore of Las Vegas, NV, and Jack Mulhollan of Little Rock; two stepchildren, Misti Plyler of Wynne, and Brent Griggs of Little Rock; and eight grandchildren, James and Charlie Mulhollan, Spencer, Katherine, Alex, Max and Magdalena Gore, and Kara Plyler; and his sister-in-law Mary Bess Mulhollan.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, April 18, 2013 at 4:00pm at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock.
A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, April 19 from 6 to 9pm at Lake Maumelle, Grande Maumelle Sailing Club, 12000 Maumelle Harbor Rd. Dress is strictly casual, and all who knew him are invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Salvation Army, 1111 W Markham St., Little Rock, AR 72201 or the Pulaski County Humane Society, 14600 Colonel Glenn Rd, Little Rock, AR 72210.
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40 Condolence(s)
Randy Orr
Tuesday, April 20, 2021
Dr. Mulhollan did surgery on my right knee in 1976 and then on my left knee in about 2003. In both cases my quality of life was greatly improved . Now I need more surgery in 2021 and I just found out beloved surgeon has passed on. Just want Dr. Mulholland's family to know that my quality of life has seen many decades of high level activity due to Dr. Mulholland's skills and I hold this man in very high regard. May God Bless.
Judy Taylor McFadden
Friday, April 26, 2013
Jimmy Mulhollan was a high school and college friend; I'm sorry that he's gone. He was an especially fine person.
Michele Johnson
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
To the Mulhollan Family
Jim was a fantastic person, always so pleasant to work with and always smiling. So sorry for your loss - he is one of those people, you never forget.
Lisa Haynie Glidewell
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Jimmy, Grace Ann, and Jack,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families during this difficult time. Remember that he will always be with you in your hearts and memories. I hope that the memories other people share with you of your dad will give you peace, as you realize just how many people's lives your dad touched.
Holley
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Grace Ann, Jimmy and Jack, I am so sorry to hear the news. I have great memories of your dad visiting Phoenix when Grace Ann lived here. His smile, his laugh and his love of life was certainly not something easily forgotten. I know he will continue to watch over you all and celebrate your accomplishments and keep you and your families safe. My thoughts are with you all as you start to heal and move forward with the great memories your dad has left you with. With my deepest sympathy, Holley.
Bob & Becky Hollingsworth
Monday, April 22, 2013
Brenda, we are so sorry to hear about Jim. He was such a wonderful person and will be missed by many. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Judy Cooper RN
Monday, April 22, 2013
I am deeply sorry for the loss of one of the kindness and funny surgeons that I have had the opportunity to work with on the teaching circuit. He was always pleasant and knowledgeable in arthroscopic techniques and brought the practice of arthroscopy to a higher level. I will miss him.
Teresa moore boyd
Friday, April 19, 2013
So sorry about dr. Mulhollan...I worked for him in the office and in surgery when he was first starting Arkansas knee clinic...he was always funny and so nice..and great in surgery.
Judy zelins
Friday, April 19, 2013
Brenda, I am so sorry to hear abou t the loss of Dr. Mulhollan. I remember the days at Freeway surgery Center where we all worked and learned about knee arthroscopies. He was a great teacher. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Judy
Leigh Fiser Compton
Friday, April 19, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. Grace Ann, I have such good memories of our fathers and us on camp outs, and how good he was when Dad broke his leg while we were skating. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Mary Kay Parr
Friday, April 19, 2013
Dear Family:
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Mulhollan. He performed four surgeries on my knees from 1982-1989. The things I remember most about him are his care, humor, and directness. He told me like it was and he truly cared about me. Since I was in and out of his office for seven years, he treated me like a friend. He always made time to squeeze me in because I had to drive a couple of hours from out of town. My mother absolutely loved him and called him, "Cutie Pie!" I appreciated the doctor and the man that he was. My prayers are with you in your loss.
Sincerely,
Mary Kay Parr
Judy Clark
Thursday, April 18, 2013
I was very sad to hear of Dr. Mulhollan's death. I worked for him in the office and he was a wonderful surgeon, and friend.. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this sad time.
Dr. John Phillips
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Right after viet nam Jim called me to come to the orthopedic grand rounds at the Campbell clinic. I was stationed at the naval hospital in Memphis. He was so no e to me and I have never forgotten his kindness and caring. I went to several more with him and he introduced me to all his fellow residents and staff. He was a smart and good man.
Halil Cansiz
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Brenda,
We are saddened by hearing of Jim's passing,
Jim was a very kind, humble and great friend to everyone around him. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and with all GMSC family that will be missing him.
With our heartfelt condolences.
Halil and Gulen
Lisa Hill
Thursday, April 18, 2013
In the early 1980s it was my privilege to work for Dr. Mulhollan in the office at Arkansas Knee Clinic for several years. His medical knowledge was amazing, as was the care he showed for each of his patients! I was sorry to read of his passing. My prayers are with each member of the family during these days--I pray that you will sense God's comfort and strength in a special way.
Scott E Tabor
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Mulhollan Family, I have fond memories of our days roaming Foxcroft. Thanks to Dr Mulhollan my knee is still in fantastci shape! Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Scott
Kim Haynie Forgione
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Grace Ann, Jimmy & Jack... I'm so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. Losing parents is a hard thing!! Y'all are in my thoughts & prayers. Grace Ann, I remember having Brownie Troop meetings at your house... By the way, I'm on of the 10,000 patients he did knee surgery on. He will be missed.......
R. Barry Sorrells, MD
Thursday, April 18, 2013
With the death of Jim, we all lose a great friend, a devoted family man as well as a good guy. The orthopedic surgery community loses a true visionary, an innovator, a learned teacher and a fine surgeon. There are thousands of patients today who owe their improved life to the skills God gave Jim Mulhollan.
Brenda, Lynda and I know how close you and Jim were. We almost never saw one of you without the other. A true team! Our hearts ache for you as you grieve.
May you all receive God's richest blessings and comfort.
Barry and Lynda Sorrells
Steve & Susan Brighton
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Brenda & family, Susan and I want to express our deepest sympathies to each of you. Jim's sense of humor and laugh will long be remembered. Also his kind treatment of my mom on Thanksgiving Day many years ago. We loved Jim and the world lost a great guy! Love Steve & Susan
Stan Roberts
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Jimmy, Grace Ann and Jack, I can still remember your Dad picking us up for carpool on snowy days in his jeep (I think it was baby blue) with the Razorback horn. You all are in our thoughts and prayers, Take care.
Stan Roberts
Eric McCarty
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Jimmy please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
David Busby, MD
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Folks,
So sorry to read of Jim's death.
I thought him sometime ago as I was reminiscing about my earlier life and education.
I was was a medical student at the University of Tennessee (graduated June 1970). While a student I scrubbed on Jim's first solo appendectomy. He was quite nervous before the case but as you all would guess he did a good job. I was probably more nervous than Jim and I was only the student. He was the surgical intern on call that night.
Then people training in Orthopedics had to complete one year of general surgery after medical before entering an orthopedic training program/ residency.
I do hope that he enjoyed his very productive and professionally successful life.
I will always remember that night.
I am truly sorry for your loss of your husband, father, grandfather and physician.
May God bless you all.
David Busby, MD
Jerome and Bev Jennings
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Jim was a friend, colleague, visionary and mentor. I remember much laughter and joy at simply being in his company.
Words fail in the face of bereavement such as this. Bev and I wish for you Brenda and your family all possible strength in the face of this painful time and the days to follow. If the deep sympathy of your friends can help support you at this time then you will most certainly have it in abundant measure, for you are and most certainly Jim was surrounded by the love of many.
Our heartfelt condolences.
Jerome & Bev Jennings
Fran Otten
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
I only met Dr. Mulhollan once, but his son Jim was a good friend of my son Jack. So, Jim, although I haven't seen you in a long time, my heart goes out to you and your family. Please know that I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Fran Otten
Dr.James Chow, Ada Chow
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Brenda and Family, Jim and I are saddened by the passing of Jim. We loved spending time with the two of you at Arthroscopy meetings. Jim had such a beautiful sense of humor. He was very bright and a good friend. We so enjoyed hearing him talk not only about orthopaedics but about all of his many interests.He will be deeply missed. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Ada and Jim Chow
Jack Otten
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
I am very sorry to hear of Dr. Mulhollan's passing. I am friends with his son Jimmy (we went to high school together). I remember visiting their house in Foxcroft in the early 80's and Dr. M was always very nice and opened up their home to Jimmy's friends. God bless the entire family. The world has lost a good man.
Patti McGuire
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Brenda, David and I have many happy memories with you and Jim. We were honored to know him and grateful for the time. We loved his great humor and will miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Patti & David McGuire
George Schonholtz, MD
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
A good friend and bright star in our chosen field of arthroscopic surgery. We will miss him. George Schonholtz, MD, Past President, Arthroscopy Asociation of North America
Rick DeWese
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Dr. Mo was one of my favorite people in high school! My thoughts and prayers are with you guys.
--Rick DeWese
Bill Stewart
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Jim was a great friend in high school. It's strange but I recently thought about him after 54 years. We were big time birdwatchers. I remember when he got a moderate dose of poison ivy in the family's woods, then decided to get rid of the plants by burning -- dosing the whole neighborhood with poison ivy smoke. God rest his soul.
Russ Greene, RN
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
I had the honor of working with Dr Mulhollan in surgery. He had a unique talent as a surgeon and a person by respecting his fellow professionals and patients.
His smile and laugh will be greatly missed.
Alan Barber
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Jim was an excellent teacher and colleague. His sense of humor and enormous surgical talent was evident to all of us who were privileged to attend his presentations. I also remember busting crabs with him at Joe's crab shack and laughing the entire evening. He will be missed.
Janice Powell
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
I am a childhood friend of Jimmy's and was saddened to hear of his death. He was a wonderful young man and continued to be so in his adulthood. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Janice Hobbs Powell
Betty Frye Sine
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Ron and I are so sorry to learn of Jim's death. Jim was one of my (Betty's) favorite people growing up. He was always so friendly and always had a smile on his face. I'm sure he will be missed by his family and friends.
Shawn & Mike McNerlin
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Mike and I are deeply saddened of the news of Jim's passting. He was wonderful person to work with and a great friend to all of our family. He will be truly missed in the community. Our prayers are with you ad your family at this time.
Mike, Shawn, Vincent & Bradley McNerlin
Lee and Shannon Tackett
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Jim was an inspiration to us as a physician and friend.
Leah Sample
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
We miss Jim already! He was truly a great guy and we will cherish the time spent with him. Keeping you and your family in our hearts and prayers...Leah and David Sample
Craig and Kristina Parins
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
May you sail forever in our hearts!
Merle Paule
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Jim was one of the nicest folks we have ever come across and he was so encouraging and helpful to us when we became members of the Grande Maumelle Sailing Club. There are not enough folks like Jim around....we will miss him greatly.
Craig Parins and Family
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
We love you both.