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Born - September 15, 1930 - Decatur, AR
Died - December 20, 2002 - Bradenton, FL
What words can express Jim Mitchell? He was like a multi-facitet diamond. To his twin sister he was a constant source of aggravation because of the different pranks he pulled off as a kid. As Jim and Jean grew up, another facet of the diamond showed itself. The facet of love, caring and concern. They grew in the bond that only twins have.
Jim and Harold, his brother in law, grew up like to peas in a pod. They were like brothers.
There was the father Jim. He raised Steve and Janet to be strong, self-sufficient and of course to have a sense of humor. Since they have grown older and are raising families of their own, they appreciated the values that this loving man taught them.
To you his friends, Jim was always there for you anytime day or night. He has laughed with you, joked with you, cried with you and challenged you. Jim never met a stranger. He will be the first one to tell you that there is work still to be done. So don't stand idly by. In all of our married life the only person he sometimes said no to was me.
Now the Jim I knew, I married my best friend. Since I had been a nun we jokingly would say he got in the habit and wouldn't get out. Living with my best friend has been an adventure beyond words. Not a day went by that he did not suprise me in some way. If it was not weekly bouquet of flowers or a cute good morning on the e-mail he was always thinking of something. During these 16 years we became like one. We could anticipate each others words, thought and even finish sentences. The man that I know and love was so full of life and is still full of life, because each of you sitting there.
Jim's body may not be here, but believe me, he is here. He is whispering to each of you right now. He is saying just what you need to hear. I will miss my best friend and lover because I cannot see or touch him, but he is now closer now to me in my heart than ever before. So through the tears and red eyes let us celebrate life and live it to the fullest. Jim would not want it any other way. All my love until we meet again.
Written by:
Judy Mitchell (Jim's Wife)
8th District President
The American Legion Auxiliary
Department of Florida
It seem only yesterday that we met at a Detachment Convention. You were an eager member looking for information and knowledge on the Legion Family. You took that knowledge and information that you received and used it to work your way through our ranks. With the passion, determination and drive of a man of twenty, you accomplished your goal of having the best District in the Detachment.
You were never afraid of a challenge! When i first approached you with the idea of forming a committee for the Children's Miracle Network, and you serving as Chairman of that committee, your only response was a resounding YES! You took this upstart program and made it the second best in the nation. For this, you received National recognition and the past National Convention. Because of your work for CMN, many children's lives have been and will be affected in a positive way. For your dedication to this program, the Detachment of Florida will be making a $200.00 memorial contribution in your honor! I am sure this will be the first of many to come from our Squadrons on your behalf!
You have been a good mentor, colleague and friend to many! To me, you have been a very good friend. I will never forget the good times that we shared, the hospitality you extended to all, but most of all, I will never forget the memories that I have for knowing you.
I will miss our conversations and your e-mails. Our loss is heavens gain. You may not be with us in person any longer, but your spirit will always be there to guide us!
Judy, to you I extend the sincerest heartfelt condolences from the Detachment of Florida. Our thoughts and prayers are with you! Jim may be gone, but he will never be forgotten. God bless you Jim! May you Rest in Peace!
Written by:
Ed Sheubrooks
Detachment Adjutant
Sons of The American Legion
Detachment of Florida
Jim is survived by his wife Judy Mitchell, his daughter Janet Honn of Spring Hill, KS., his son Stephen Mitchell of Hudson, OH, his two sisters, Jean Treat of Grand Lake, OK, and Dorothy May Rogers of Broken Arrow, OK, his stepmother Dorothy Lee Gnagey of Siloam Springs, AR and four grandchildren.