John Joseph Mitchell

John Joseph Mitchell, Sr., 92, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away Friday, September 12, 2014 at his home. A gathering of friends and family will be Tuesday evening September 16th at 6:30pm at George H. Hewell and Son Funeral Home, 4140 University Boulevard, South, Jacksonville. A celebration mass of John?s life will be held Wednesday morning September 17th at 10:00am at Christ the King Catholic Church , 742 Arlington Expressway, Jacksonville. Father James Boddie will be officiating. John was born December 8, 1921 in Leavenworth, Kansas to George and Louise Mitchell. He graduated from Emmaculata High School in Leavenworth. After high school, John entered the Navy and served in WWII in North Africa and retired at the rank of Chief Petty Officer in 1968 after 26 years of service. On July 4, 1942 he married the former Elizabeth Coley Duckworth in Jacksonville. John was employed as an office manager for Florida Towing and Moran Tug Boat Company. He enjoyed woodworking from his garage and sports officiating where he served as secretary of the Jacksonville Umpires Association. But his favorite pastime was spending time with his devoted family. John is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Elizabeth; one sister Shirley Studdard; two daughters: Jeannine Stites and Annette Thomas; five sons: John Joseph Mitchell, Jr., Charles Landon Mitchell, Robert Lee Mitchell, James Patrick Mitchell and Michael Francis Mitchell. John and Elizabeth were blessed with a rather large extended family of thirteen grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. The Mitchell family wishes to especially thank The Atrium (rehabilitation center of Jacksonville) and Vitas Hospice for their continued care and love for John during his illness. In lieu of flowers, Please make donations to Christ the King Catholic Church and Vitas Hospice of Jacksonville.