12/11/2013
James Frank Mitchell was born December 11, 1932, in Knoxville, Iowa the son of Frank “Bunk” and Inez (Neely) Mitchell.
He was raised in Knoxville and graduated with the Class of 1951. Following graduation, Jim worked at the Bingley-Dykstra Sale Barn. He then attended Des Moines Technical Institute.
Through the years Jim had laid carpet for Dick Opie, was a police officer for the city as well as the county, owned the Knoxville Pop Factory, worked for Agan Plumbing, and was part owner of Building Engineers. Prior to retirement, he worked for the Knoxville V.A. from 1981-1995, retiring as the Fire Department Captain.
After retirement, he drove a truck for Smith Fertilizer & Grain and was the head of Security at the Knoxville Raceway. For the last 19 years, he and Chris have wintered in Apache Junction, Arizona.
Jim was a huge advocate for Knoxville schools and the City of Knoxville as well. He was one of the founders of Band Boosters Bingo, past president of the Knoxville Little League, and a volunteer firefighter.
He was a member of Oriental Lodge No. 61 A.F. & A.M., of which he held every chair including past master 6 times. He was also active in the Za-Ga-Zig Shrine and the Isetta Unit.
Jim had an infectious smile and a quick wit, he never met and stranger, and he will be remembered by all who knew him as a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.
Jim passed away on Wednesday, December 11, 2013, at his home at the age of 81 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister-in-law, Phyllis Mitchell, and son-in-law, Mike McKay.
Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Chris; children: Janice Hollingshead (Jim), Julie Cameron, and Jim Mitchell II (Sharon); 9 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren and his brother, William “Dick” Mitchell of Ankeny and many other family members and friends.
Funeral Service
Bybee & Davis Funeral Home – Knoxville, Iowa
Saturday, December 14, 2013, at 10:30 a.m.
Sam Nichols, officiating
Musical Selections
Katie Davis, vocalist
“Old Rugged Cross”
Casket Bearers
Jim Mitchell II Jim Hollingshead
Matt McKay Andy McKay
John Mitchell Joe Mitchell
Honorary Casket Bearers
Jessica Cameron Jami Laird
Kylie McKay Kayla Garvin
Krista Garvin
and all of Jim’s many friends.
Interment
Graceland Cemetery – Knoxville, Iowa
For those desiring, memorials may be made to the Knoxville Fire & Rescue Unit.
Visitation
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM 12/13/2013
Bybee & Davis Funeral Home
301 North Second Street
Knoxville, Iowa 50138
Service
10:30 AM 12/14/2013
Bybee & Davis Funeral Home
301 North Second Street
Knoxville, Iowa 50138
Cemetery – Graceland Cemetery
Memorials – Knoxville Fire & Rescue Unit