CLINTON / FITCHBURG
James I. “Jim” Mitchell, Jr., 78, a longtime resident of Fitchburg, formerly of Clinton, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 28, 2022. He will be remembered by many for his eternal optimism, enlightenment, and willingness to listen to anyone who sought his guidance and wisdom.
Jim will be missed by his legion of friends and family. He was an unfaltering and adoring father to his two daughters, Robin K. Mitchell and Emily R. Mitchell, both of Brooklyn, NY. He is also survived by his former wife, with whom he spent many happy years raising his children, Maria L. (Russo) Mitchell of Newburyport; his cherished sister-in-law, Kati Mitchell of Framingham; his adored nephew, James Sung Mitchell, of Miami, FL; as well as the many good friends he considered his family. He is predeceased by his younger brother, closest confidant, and lifelong friend, George M. Mitchell, who passed away in 2013.
Jim was born and raised in Clinton, the son of James I. and Barbara C. (O’Toole) Mitchell. Known fondly as “Bim” by his family and friends in Clinton, he maintained strong ties to his hometown and its Irish American community throughout his lifetime. Following his 1961 graduation from Clinton High School, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving on active duty in Vietnam. After three years of service, he was honorably discharged and returned home to Massachusetts, where he earned a B.A. in Psychology from UMass Boston
Jim established his home and family in Fitchburg. Shortly prior to the birth of his first daughter, Jim was given a life-threatening cancer diagnosis that was the result of exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam. He was blessed with the good fortune of full remission and another 35 years of life to raise both of his daughters, Robin and Emily.
Throughout the last many years, he spent the spring, summer, and autumn seasons hiking, biking, and exploring New England and beyond with his daughters and many friends.
Jim spent his entire professional career in support of fellow service members. For over 30 years, he worked as a substance abuse counselor at Hanscom Air Force Base and at Fort Devens, where he faithfully served fellow combat veterans and their families. After retirement, he remained continuously active in the veteran community, volunteering with Vet Centers and was a dedicated member of the Yoga Warriors Program of Central Mass. It was with the Yoga Warriors that he was able to lift the weight of his PTSD and heal himself amongst an invaluable community of fellow veterans.
Jim’s funeral will be held on Monday, March 14, 2022, with a Mass at 10:00 AM in St. John the Evangelist Church, 80 Union Street, Clinton. Please go directly to the church. Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Sunday, March 13, 2022, from 5:00-7:00 PM at McNally & Watson Funeral Home, 304 Church Street, Clinton. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Jim, to support the Yoga Warriors. Please visit: www.brookfieldinstitute.org and specify “Chips Fund” or by mail to: The Brookfield Institute, P.O. Box 838, Ware, MA 01082. To share a memory, or to leave a message of condolence for his family, please sign the guest book.
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