James E. Mitchell Sr.

James E. "Mitch" Mitchell Sr., age 69, of 1012 Rhomberg Ave., passed away at 9:33 p.m. Tuesday, February 8, 2011, at The Finley Hospital, Dubuque, surrounded by his family. Services will be held at 6:00 p.m. Sunday at Behr's Funeral Home, 1491 Main St., with Pastor Jennifer Meyer officiating. Private family burial will be in the Asbury Cemetery. To celebrate Jim's life, friends may visit from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday at Behr's Funeral Home, 1491 Main St. He was born on November 1, 1941, in Strawberry Point, Iowa, son of Kermit and Elnora (Randall) Mitchell. Jim graduated from Dubuque Senior High School. He married Mary Ann Cigrand on July 2, 1966, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fillmore, Iowa. Jim worked at John Deere Dubuque Works for nine years until his retirement. He was a member of Center Grove United Methodist Church. Jim was a carpenter extraordinaire, master toy maker, upholsterer and baker of cakes, cookies and breads. He also was an assistant Scout master for many years. Jim loved the oldies and country music, especially live music. He was a loyal follower of Ronnie McDonald and the M&M's, which his daughter, Kathy, is a member, and Artie & the Pink Catillacs. He was an awesome father and fantastic grandfather. Jim always had a smile on his face and a great attitude, which is mirrored in his children. Jim was nothing short of amazing. Survivors: five daughters, Kathy (Tim) McDonald, of Dubuque, Tina (Danny) Kolb, of Hazel Green, Wis., Renee (Christos) Pilarinos, of Dubuque, Val Mitchell, of Dubuque, Meg Mitchell, of Dubuque; two sons, James (Laurie) Mitchell Jr., of Dubuque, Nick (Jennifer) Mitchell, of Dubuque; 10 grandchildren, Gabrielle McDonald, Anthony and Amber Kolb, Petros and Alexandra Pilarinos, Jacob and Jessica Mitchell and Jackson, Brandon and Kirsten Mitchell; his former wife, Mary Ann Gottschalk, of Dubuque; three sisters, Judy Hentges, of Dubuque, Betty (John) Fitz, of Dubuque, Carol (Jim) Loney, of Dubuque He was preceded in death by his parents, Kermit Mitchell and Elnora Bateman; and a grandson, John Pilarinos. A James E. Mitchell Sr. Memorial Fund has been established. The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at The Finley Hospital Emergency Room, Intensive Care Unit and Medical, Surgical and Rehab Units, Dr. Salas at Dubuque Internal Medicine and the staff at Finley-Hartig Homecare for their care and concern for Jim.