James Ronald Mitchell Sr. (Jim), 80, passed away in Thomson, GA, on November 27, 2024, following a brief illness. Jim was born on October 21, 1944, to Orvel and Grace, in Rockford, Illinois. Throughout his childhood, he traveled extensively, spending time in California, Texas, Nevada, and Alaska, before landing in Iowa where he met the love of his life, Janice Meyer. On their first date together, Jim asked Janice to go steady. On their second date, Jim asked Janice to be his wife. They were married on July 13, 1963. Together, they had seven beautiful children, and built a life full of commitment, love, and companionship. They weathered all of life’s storms side by side for 64 years.

During his lifetime, Jim was a hardworking man of many talents. He did everything from working on a farm, to driving a gas truck, working in a factory, to guarding prisoners at the Iowa State Penitentiary. He loved to tell stories of spending five years in the pen, though he liked to keep people guessing, and he’d never elaborate to say he was a guard, and not an inmate. Jim was always willing to work hard to take care of his family. Jim and Janice were further blessed when their children started families of their own, giving them a multitude of grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Jim was a jokester who loved to make people laugh. The best part, though, was how much he’d laugh at his own jokes. You’d always hear his robust laugh and see him start to wipe tears away from laughing so hard at one of his own jokes.

Jim had a love for classic cars, specifically his red Plymouth Sport Fury. He entered that car in many car shows, winning a trophy for each of his grandchildren. He also had a love of musical classics, any time you’d walk in their front door, you’d hear Jim’s radio turned to the Oldie’s Station, and you could very often hear Jim belting along with whatever tune was playing. Above all else, Jim was a devoted and beloved father and grandfather. His family was his best accomplishment and his greatest legacy.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Orvel Mitchell and Grace Fandel (nee Pegoriek), son Jerry Mitchell, daughter in law Tabitha Mitchell, two granddaughters, and many other family members.

His memory will live on in his surviving family, his wife, Janice, his children, James Jr, Jann (Jeff), Jacqueline (Alan), Jeffrey (Erin), Jason (Alice), Jennifer (Troy), daughter-in-law Shelby (Jerry) and many grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He will be missed as deeply as he was loved. Graveside burial services will be held for James Saturday December 14, 2024 at 10:00 am at St. John's Cemetery in Reedsburg. Visitation will be on Friday, December 13, 2024 from 4:00 until 7:00 pm at Farber Funeral Home in Reedsburg.

Farber Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.