James Llewellyn Mitchell, 70, passed away October 26, 2024, peacefully at home following liver failure.
Jim was born in Chariton, Iowa on March 7, 1954, to Billy and Emily Mitchell. Jim graduated from Lincoln High School in 1972 and worked various jobs at that time. He started his full-time career at Massey Ferguson. When Massey closed, Jim transitioned to Eagle Sign Company as the Plant Manager making many friends along the way. He spent the last ten years of his career at John Deere as a Materials Coordinator.
Jim had many hobbies; he was especially talented at carving animals. He spent many summers at Rathbun Lake with his family and friends. He enjoyed boating, camping, and fishing. His bow and gun hunting sent the deer running. Jim loved fast cars. Mustangs were his favorite.
Jim married Cindy (Wagner) Mitchell in August of 1975. In September of 1977 their beloved son Matthew James was born. Their marriage ended 23 years later.
Jim was a devoted father. He coached Matthew's little league team and attended all of Matthew's sporting events. They both were avid Seahawks fans. Jim and Matt weren’t only father and son, they were each other’s best friend that lasted a lifetime. Matt married his high school sweetheart, Crystal Cole and became parents of Jim’s grandchildren, Katelynn and Cole. Jim loved these two unconditionally and they have given Jim many days of enjoyment. Jim’s great grandson Kaden (Katelynn’s) joined the family November 8, 2018.
Jim is also survived by his sisters, Denise (Tommy) Jurgens, Gerry (Jerry) Heckman, Michelle (Jim) Lamb and sister-in-law Cheryl Mitchell and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jim is proceeded in death by his beloved brother, Billy Jr, his father Billy Sr, and his mother Emily.
In 2012 Jim married Verna Rice and gained more children. Geoffrey Rice, Cori (Rice) Richards, and daughter-in-law Christy (Wolfe) (Rice) Moreland. From this he gained many grandchildren. Matthew Rice, Peyton Moreland, and Preston Moreland who Jim held in the hospital when he was born. A special memory for Jim. Also gifts of other Richard’s grandchildren Keeli, Aimee, Emma, Tyler, Calvin, and Penelope. Jim was full of memories and love for all these grandchildren.
Jim and Verna spent the last three winters as Winter Texans. Many good friends and special memories were made, especially with Verna’s brother Mick and his wife, Mary. They not only live nearby in Iowa but also three doors down in Texas. All would joke he liked them better than Verna.
A Celebration of Life will be held March 22, 2025, 2:00, at the Bondurant Legion Hall.