James "Jim" Clayton Mitchell II

Jim was born on December 12, 1949, in Spartanburg, SC as the youngest child of Nell (Benston) and William Morris Mitchell. Jim was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was raised in Spartanburg and Atlanta before graduating from Grimsley High School in Greensboro, NC. It was at Grimsley where Jim made the first of his many life-long friends. A gifted athlete, he excelled in both football and baseball, earning a spot on the 1967 Shrine Bowl team. Jim had scholarship offers from nearly forty colleges before narrowing his choices to The University of South Carolina and The University of North Carolina, where his older brother attended.

Jim chose The University of South Carolina where he excelled on the football field. He famously returned a 72-yard punt for a touchdown against NC State, helping the team remain undefeated in conference play on their way to the 1969 ACC Championship. Jim was named First Team All-ACC and received honorable mention All-American honors in 1970 and 1971. Jim was extremely proud to be named to The University of South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016, joining several of his teammates and his closest friends.

It was in Columbia where Jim planted his roots, met his loving wife, Kathi, and raised his four children. Jim became a successful homebuilder, building and remodeling scores of homes with his company Mitchell Builders, Inc. Jim’s life revolved around his family and friends. He maintained a cherished routine, spending time with different groups of friends throughout the week. For over 40 years, he gathered with his “Mousetrap Boys” every Wednesday, enjoyed his time with friends at Publick House, and could be found on the golf course most Fridays, traditions that brought him lifelong friendships and countless memories.

Jim loved his family fiercely. He was a steadfast supporter of his children in all their endeavors. He coached soccer teams, little league baseball teams, and attended countless dance recitals where he could be found not too far from the nearest exit. As his children grew, he continued to support their personal and professional pursuits with the same dedication and pride. He loved to brag about his children, often sharing updates on their lives to anyone who would listen. Jim was honest and loyal — sometimes to a fault — but he always took a genuine interest in everyone he met and chose to see the best in people.

While Jim was affectionately known by many names — Jim, Jimmy, Mac, Daddio, and Jimbo — he embraced the name Jimbo, a title not only used by his nine grandchildren but also by his children’s friends. Jim found great joy in his later years with his grandchildren, whom he adored.

Jim was unapologetically himself to the very end, staying true to his values, his humor, and his unwavering love for those around him.

He is survived by Kathleen “Kathi” Danielson Mitchell, his loving wife of 38 years; his children, James Clayton Mitchell III (Maggie), Amanda Mitchell Ely (Penn), Alexander Morris Mitchell (December), and Travis Cruise Mitchell; his grandchildren Emery, Frances, and James Mitchell, IV; Owen, Samuel, Adam, and William Ely; Tatianna Wright and Ewa Mitchell; his brother William Morris Mitchell, Jr. (Kristen), many nieces and nephews, as well as lifelong friends who he considered family.

He was predeceased by his parents, Nell and William M. Mitchell, sister, Jeanie M. Coleman, and brother-in-law James R. Coleman.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at Dunbar Funeral Home (Devine) at 2:00 pm. A Celebration of Life will be held immediately after the service.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Woodrow Coker and his colleagues and team at the South Carolina Oncology Associates. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the University of South Carolina Lettermen’s Association, 1304 Heyward Street, Columbia SC 29208 in Jim’s memory.

Jim will be deeply missed by his family and friends, but his legacy of love, strength, and loyalty will live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know him.