James Mitchell, 68, of Kalona, passed away Dec. 18, 2021, at Mercy Medical Center in Iowa City. Jim was born Dec. 16, 1953, in Illinois the son of Harry and Helen (Hamilton) Mitchell.
Following graduation from Zion Benton High School in Zion, Illinois, Jim worked at Johnson Motors for 10 years. He moved to California for several years with his sister. Returning to Zion, Jim began working as a truck driver for the Cancer Federation. Jim married Jeanne Durham Dec. 15, 1995. The family then moved to Iowa where he worked at Great Expectation as a prep cook and as a forklift driver for a Pioneer dealer.
Jim loved to entertain and spend time with his family, friends, dogs, and neighbors. He loved to host BBQ’s and get togethers. He enjoyed helping people with repairs/remodels, cooking, and was a true professional when it came to offering wise advice to his loved ones.
Jim had a knack for crafting wonderful bookshelves, tables, bird houses and baby rockers. He was an avid fisherman that loved to follow all sporting events and listen to music.
Many Friday nights you could find him in his favorite chair in the kitchen, enjoying a cold beer and listening to “Big Mo.”
Jim is survived by his dog Breeze; loving wife: Jeanne; daughters: Janette Chaplin, Patty Chaplin and Kala Milton; grandchildren: Kelsi Harr, Lenox Harr, Elyssa Kading, Allison Kading, Madelyn Lynam and Jacob Brooks; siblings: Catherine (Rick) Hutchison, Sandra Braden, Laurie (Dave) Serdar and Greg Mitchell; six nieces and nephews; and eight greats.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved dogs: Butchie, Buddy and Princess.
A celebration of life will be held at the VFW in Riverside, at 3 p.m. Jan. 15, 2022. Memorials may be made to the family at 107 South 6th Street Lot 23, Kalona, IA 52247 and online condolences may be shared at www.lensingfuneral.com.
