James L. Mitchell

January 07, 1932 — November 25, 2024

James Mitchell

Service Details

James Leroy Mitchell, age 92, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family in the comfort of his own home, the top floor of his beloved Plaza, on Monday, November 25, 2024.

Jim was born January 7, 1932, in Rose Hill, Iowa to Ralph and Lois (Bartlett) Mitchell. He grew up on a farm in Mahaska County and attended and graduated from Lacey Consolidated School in 1950. After graduating from Lacey High School, he enrolled in the University of Northern Iowa. In 1952, he was drafted into the United States Army where he spent his two years as a Leadership Instructor at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas. After the Army experience, he reenrolled at UNI (on the GI Bill) and graduated in 1956 as a teacher and coach. On June 1, 1956, he was married to Marilyn Wimer of New Sharon, Iowa. To this union, two children were born – Marilee and Marianne. They were divorced in 1986.

Jim got his first teaching job in Le Grand, Iowa where he worked for three years coaching girls’ basketball, football, and baseball. His girls’ basketball team went to the State Tournament in 1959. His second teaching and coaching job which lasted seven years was in West Liberty, Iowa, where he was selected as “Teacher of the Year” in 1964, and sent two girls’ basketball teams to the State Tournament in 1963 and 1965. The 1965 team placed 3rd in the state.

He continued his education, receiving his Master’s Degree and Specialist Degree in School Administration from the University of Iowa. His first job in school administration was as Superintendent of the Delwood, Iowa schools for three years, then the Saint Ansgar, Iowa schools for seven years, and then the Albia, Iowa schools for ten years. After 30 years in education, he moved to Des Moines to a high-rise condominium that was his home for the rest of his life (he loved the place). In Des Moines, he was a convenience store owner for two years, a Financial Consultant for two years, and an Iowa Real Estate Agent for 24 years.

Jim loved sports and was not great, but very good, at participating in baseball, basketball, and tennis well into his 50s. He was also a basketball, baseball, and football official for many years, working the Girls and Boys State Tournament six times. Jim was a St. Louis Cardinals fan and enjoyed visiting casinos.

Jim is survived by his partner, Lorraine Carr; daughters, Marilee (Mike) Scieszinski, Marianne (Phil) Crall, Jan (Phil) Stalzer; son, Randy (Jenny) Carr; grandchildren, Chad (Brittaney) Scieszinski, Tara (Luis) Scieszinski, Kayla (Aaron) McConnell, Ryan Crall, Tyler Crall, Cory Crall, Jake (Jenna) Stalzer; great-grandchildren, Millee, Cameron, Remi; and other loving extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Lois Mitchell; brother, Leon Mitchell; and his former spouse, Marilyn Kness.

There will be a visitation from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday, November 29, 2024, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines, followed by burial at Friends Cemetery in New Sharon, Iowa.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family for a future designation.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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