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James Mitchell
In Memory of
James Wesley
Mitchell
1937 - 2017
Memorial Candle Tribute From
Harrison Family Mortuary
"We are honored to provide this Book of Memories to the family."
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Obituary for James Wesley Mitchell

James W. (Jim) Mitchell, a resident of Ocean Shores since 1994, died June 18, 2017. Mr. Mitchell was born on November 4, 1937 in Janesville, Wisconsin to David (Wes) and Ruth (Odegaard) Mitchell. The family moved to Tacoma, Washington after WWII where Jim graduated from Stadium High School in 1955. He enlisted in the U.S. Army after graduation and served in California, Georgia and Alaska, when it was still a U.S. Territory. After discharge, while attending the University of Washington, he met his wife Sandra. After a whirlwind courtship, they eloped to Idaho. They were married for 59 years. They have two sons; Craig James of Winlock, Washington, and Adam David; and two grandchildren, Kaylynn and Evan.
Jim graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Business Administration in 1963. During his working career, he also attended graduate school at Michigan State University and St. Louis University. After graduation he was employed by Sears Roebuck where he rose to the position of West Coast Buyer. He left Sears to become the Director of Purchasing at Northwest Hospital in Seattle and was later promoted to Assistant Administrator. In 1977, Jim returned to Steltex, Inc., a wholesale distribution company where he had worked while attending college. He eventually became president of the company. In 1986, he departed and purchased Wright Printing in Kent, where he remained as president and owner until his retirement in 2002.
He was active in the Kent community as a board member of the Kent Chamber of Commerce, President of the Kent Food and Clothing Bank, Kent-Meridian Kiwanis, and President of the Rainier Symphony Board.
After his move to Ocean Shores in 1994, Mr. Mitchell served at congregational council president, treasurer, and numerous other positions at Galilean Lutheran Church. He was also president of the Kiwanis Club of Ocean Shores, president of the Ocean Shores Library Board of Trustees, and a member of the Aberdeen Daily World Reader Advisory Board. Jim was a great supporter of Stage West, Driftwood Theater, and Associated Arts of Ocean Shores. He “re-retired” several times working part-time for real estate and hospitality firms on the North Beach.
Mr. Mitchell traveled extensively and loved to see “what was over the next hill.” He visited all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, South America and Europe. His interest in photography enabled him to take many great pictures of the places he visited. He enjoyed spectator sports from watching his children and grandchildren, to local high school, college and professional teams. His personal sports’ passions during his life were hiking, golf, tennis, and especially skiing all over the Western U.S. and Europe. Jim immensely enjoyed reading a wide variety of books, while listening to classical chamber or jazz music along with a glass of “good sipping” bourbon.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents David and Ruth Mitchell, and step-mother Marj Mitchell. He is survived by his wife, Sandra; his sons, Craig and Adam; his grandchildren Kaylynn and Evan; his brother Tom; and step-sisters, Kathy Warfield and Becky Hathaway.
His Memorial service will be held at Galilean Lutheran Church, Saturday, July 1, 2017 with a fellowship time at 10 A.M. and the service at 11 A.M. His ashes will be scattered in Grays Harbor. Remembrances in lieu of flowers can be given to the Trust Fund of Galilean Lutheran Church.


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Affiliations


Army

Good Conduct Medal

Kiwanis International

Michigan State University

University of Washington

US Army
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