James Mitchell Sr

James Everett Mitchell, Sr. 92 of Independence, Missouri was born on April 11, 1919, in Bethany, Missouri one of nine children of Thomas and Salena (Sutton) Mitchell. He quietly passed through the veil of this life on April 6, 2012 at home according to his desire. A tool & die maker by trade, James worked into his 70’s before retirement as a biomedical engineer for KU Medical Center. James was to the end a warrior in the cause of Christ. Known by his children, grandchildren, and friends as a deeply spiritual patriarch, the focus of his life and energy was always a love of God and family. A faithful man of purposeful pray and undying devotion, he was helpful to those in need, of service to the saints in the RLDS church, while tirelessly sharing the good news to those who knew not Jesus. Incredible stories of his childhood, ranging from tying the weak legs of discarded baby chicks with string to help them grow to time of sale during the depression, to singing panhandle style to incarcerated bootleggers while outside the jailhouse in Bethany, underscore the epic life he lived. Preceding in death are his beloved wife of 57 years, Lillie Edna Viola (Willoughby), and one son, James E. Mitchell Jr. Surviving are three sons; Mark D. Mitchell of Tarpon Springs, Florida, Phillip A. Mitchell of Independence, Missouri and Thomas M. Mitchell of Holden, Missouri. A funeral service will be held Wednesday April 11 at 2:00 p.m. at Speaks Suburban Chapel 18020 E. 39th Street in Independence, Missouri. Visitation will be Tuesday evening April 10th at the same location from 6 to 8 pm. Interment will be at Mound Grove Cemetery. Pallbearers are Brian Mitchell, Eric Mitchell, Andrew Gallagher, Daniel Gatlin, Chris Campbell, and Mike Barrett.