SUN CITY – When he lived in Chicago, Jim Mulvihill, N.28, would walk to and from his work in construction at People’s Gas, a natural gas utility company and, if time permitted, would continue his stroll afterwards.
Retiring after 34 years of service and moving to the Del Webb community, Mulvihill expanded his love of walking by increasing his distance every day. He’s even received a nickname from his friends, known simply as “The Walker.”
Neighborhood 28 resident and Ireland native Jim Mulvihill moved to Chicago at 17, where he found a passion for walking. Today, he walks up to 20 miles a day around Sun City. (Photo by Chris LaPelusa/Sun Day)
“It’s my main passion, to walk. I can walk anywhere from 10, 15 to 20 miles a day,” Mulvihill said, adding that he regularly takes a stroll to stay fit.
Mulvihill was born and raised in Ireland, immigrating to the United States when he was 17. Although he listed no official reason for the move, he credited his aunt and his sister as contributing factors.
“It was just a brand-new opportunity for me,” Mulvihill said. “My sister had moved here before me, so I just stayed with her.”
He added that few Irish traditions carried over, but he and his sister would often head into the city to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
“There’s a large Irish community centered in Chicago, with a large parade every year. I help volunteer in any which way I can, but that’s pretty much it,” Mulvihill said.
Mulvihill added that every so often, friends will come into town the evening following the parade and together they will further celebrate the holiday. He travels to Chicago every now and then to continue celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.
Mulvihill moved to Sun City to be closer to his family when he retired.
“We had a two-flat in Chicago, but I wanted a small house in the suburbs. I have a son who lives in Woodstock, and this was perfect,” he said.
When asked about the origin for his love of walking, Mulvihill credited his passion to the ease of travel to and from work. He added that he’s always just loved the idea of taking a stroll.
Moving to Sun City helped that love grow, with the scenery and access to sidewalks and paths sparking more interest.
“It’s just such an ideal place to walk. They’ve got a large collection of wildflowers; it’s just beautiful,” Mulvihill said.
Mulvihill often strolls alone, but added that there are a few occasions where his friends or family will join.
“They like to do other things, mostly. My friend golfs a lot, and my wife, well, she tends to go to the gym,” he said.
He has no set schedule for his walks; rather, Mulvihill said he likes to start in the morning if he has time and continue in the afternoon, with a trip to the gym nearly every night.
“I’ve never counted how much or how far I’ve walked. I tend to stay out for about two to two-and-a-half hours at a time,” he adds. “I have done a couple of 5K’s around here, though. But for now, I’ll just keep walking.”
