LtCol James R. Mitchell USMC (Ret)

LtCol James R. Mitchell, USMC (Ret) passed away on October 21, 2022. Born in Horton, Kansas, Jim was raised in Springfield and Mt. Pulaski, Illinois. He was very involved in 4-H and won many prizes for his livestock and agriculture. After graduating from Mt. Pulaski High School, Jim and his family moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin where they owned a dairy farm.

Jim studied animal husbandry at the University of Wisconsin before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps as a helicopter mechanic at the age of 21. He was quickly selected for Officer Candidate School and was commissioned as an aircraft maintenance officer. Jim served his country on active duty for 23 years, including two tours in Vietnam, then spent the majority of the remainder of his career supporting Department of Defense contracts. Personal decorations include a Bronze Star with Combat V.

Jim was involved in many volunteer activities that supported his church, veterans and youth at risk. His favorite pastime was traveling the world with Colleen.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 31 years, Colleen (Walker), daughters Valerie (Gus) Ghaus of Woodbridge, VA; Marcia of Colorado Springs, CO; Brenda (Bob) Thompson of Ponte Vedra, FL and son David (Mary) of Catharpin, VA; seven grandchildren, one grandson-in-law, and one great-grandson.

A visitation for Jim will be held on Friday, October 28, 2022 from 7:00pm-9:00pm at Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home, 2950 Cobb Pkwy North, Kennesaw, GA 30152. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 29 at 11:00am at Christ Lutheran Church, 176 W. Sandtown Rd., Marietta, GA 30064. A military committal service will be held at a future date in Quantico National Cemetery, Triangle, VA.