James W. Mitchell

He was born on February, 1, 1924 in Burnside, PA, the son of Charles G. and Nancy (Smith) Mitchell.

Mr. Mitchell graduated from Cherry Tree High School. He received his B.S. in Agronomy and M.Ed. in Physical Sciences from Pennsylvania State University and Indiana University of Pennsylvania, respectively. He taught chemistry and physics at Purchase Line and retired as head of the Science Department from the Clearfield Area School District in 1984 and was a Professor at DuBois Penn State.

He was a veteran in the U.S. Army serving during WW II in the European Theater.

Mr. Mitchell farmed all his life. He raised potatoes, beef cattle and sold fertilizer and feed.

He was a member of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church of Curwensville. He served as an Elder, taught Sunday school and participated in the orchestra and choir.

Mr. Mitchell volunteered for the AARP Tax Program. He was a member of the Clearfield Community Band, Grampian Band, Harmony Grange, NEA, and PSEAR.

He drove school bus, liked hunting and doing cross word puzzles, and helped raise his grandchildren.

Mr. Mitchell is survived by four children; Dr. Carol G. Elkins, of Clearfield, Celia Mitchell and her husband, Eric Olson of Coudersport, Muriel A. Chaiyasena and her husband, Tony of State College and Kevin C. Mitchell and his wife, Ruth of Bells Landing, four grandchildren; Patrick and Emily Elkins and Kate and Emily Mitchell, two sisters; Winona “Nonie” McCracken of Clearfield and Dorothy Pearce and her husband, Arthur of Litchfield Park, Arizona and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Betty L. (Lytel) Mitchell whom he married on April 20, 1957 and who passed away September 13, 2007 two brothers; Edward and George Mitchell and two sisters; Louella Mitchell and Frances Buchanan.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, May 2, 2014 at 11:00 A.M. at the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, 725 Susquehanna Ave., Curwensville, PA with Rev. Stephen D. Shields officiating. Military Honors will be accorded at the church by the DuBois Honor Guard.

Friends will be received at Bennett and Houser Funeral Home, Inc., of Clearfield on Thursday, May 1, 2014 from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. and Friday, May 2 at the church from 10:00 A.M. until the hour of the services.

The family suggest memorial contributions be made to Christian and Missionary Alliance Church of Curwensville, 725 Susquehanna Ave., Curwensville, PA 16833.

To send online tributes go to www.bennettandhouser.com or www.mem.com