64948_James P. “Jim”_Mitchell
James P. “Jim” Mitchell was born July 2, 1919, in Seymour, Iowa, to Samuel A. and Loreta (Estes) Mitchell.
He spent his childhood in Brooklyn, Iowa. The family later settled in Ames, where Jim graduated from Ames High School. Following graduation, he opened a men’s clothing store in ISU’s “Campus Town.” While there he met his future wife, Hazel (Gelner), who was working in Boone. They were married Nov. 28, 1940, in Forest City, Hazel’s hometown.
Three children were born to this union: Carolyn, James D. and Mary.
On Oct. 12, 1942, he entered the U.S. Army. After basic training, he served as battalion supply clerk in San Luis Obispo, Calif., before being shipped to Leyte in the Philippine Islands. He was promoted to staff sergeant for the 321st Engineering Battalion. His platoon received several commendations for meritorious service. Upon return to the states, he was stationed at Camp Adair, Ore. Master Sgt. Mitchell was honorably discharged on Dec. 9, 1945. Two of his most memorable journeys were to take his wife, Hazel, to Hawaii to visit the Pearl Harbor Memorial and taking the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., at the age of 90 with other World War II Veterans. He was a member of the American Legion Post 121, Gold Member of VFW Post 6161 and a former Knight of Columbus
He gave wholeheartedly to his endeavors: salesman, business owner, inventor, carpenter, electrician and plumber. Jim loved music, played many instruments, sang in barbershop, church choir, led many sing-alongs for senior centers, long-term and assisted-living facilities. He loved music, dancing, golf, bowling, pool and card games.
He was a loving husband, father, grand and great-grandfather, and friend to many. Most remember his great smile and friendly conversations. He will be missed by everyone. But, he is happy to finally be with his loving wife, Hazel, and his other family and friends that have gone before him. He has gone home.
Jim passed from this life on Jan. 16, 2013, at Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt. He was preceded in death by his parents and his loving wife Hazel, his siblings Ruth, Mildred and Sam, and an infant granddaughter, Angela.
He is lovingly remembered and greatly missed by his children: Carolyn (Wayne) Konechne of Ames, James D. (Cory) Mitchell of Urbandale and Mary (Michael) Harms of Forest City; eight grandchildren: Kim (Shane) Coats, Kari (Sean) Paulson, Todd (Sara) Mitchell, Chad (Robbie) Mitchell, Matthew (Kristin) Harms, Mason (Kelli) Harms, Melissa (Harms) Eastvold, Melanie Harms (Todd Espeland); great-grandchildren: Jordan, Tyler, Madison, Jessica, Kristina, Emily, Lauren, Anna, Evan, Alexzandra, Laura, Jack, Julia, Michael, Madysen, McKenna and Easton.
His “Celebration of Life and Hymn-fest” will be held Saturday, April 20, at 1 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Forest City, with a reception to follow. A private inurnment will be held at St. James Catholic Cemetery in Forest City.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks memorials be made to the James P. Mitchell Memorial Fund or a favorite charity.