John F. Mitchell of Inverness, IL was 81 years old when he passed away peacefully on June 11, 2009. Growing up, he was a life guard on Chicago's Oak Street Beach. He was an outstanding water polo player at Black Hawk Park. John graduated from the Illinois Institute of Technology as an electrical engineer and went on to serve in the Navy. Afterwards he joined Motorola. During his long and successful career, John became President of Motorola and eventually Vice Chairman. John touched the lives of so many people over the years, both personally and professionally. He was a man respected by many and a role model for us all. He is survived by his wife Margaret J.,nee Gillis; his children Cathy (Dennis) of Scottsdale, John K. of Ft. Lauderdale and Kevin (Sharon) of Palatine; loving grandfather of; Charles, Dan (Jackie), Jack, Caitlin and Megan; brother of; William, Edward and the late James. Son of the late William C. and Bridie Mitchell. Visitation will be at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home (847-359-8020) in Palatine on Sunday, June 14 from 12 PM to 5 PM. In lieu of flowers, please donate to either The American Cancer Society, (1-800-227-2345), or The Arthritis Foundation (800-283-7800)
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Joe and Paula McGee
January 10, 2010
To the Mitchell family and especially Cathy. We just learned of your loss. Very sorry to hear. You are in our thoughts and you have our deepest sympathy.
Patti Mitchell/Bidlack
September 24, 2009
I remember the fun we had going swimming over at Uncle John’s and Aunt Peggy’s. I remember the great times we had at the family reunions thanks to Uncle John and Kevin. I remember the great times we had going to the Western Open with my Dad thanks to Uncle John. I remember when Uncle John sang O Danny Boy with so much heart to my cousin Danny many years ago. I remember when my cousin Danny eloquently and accurately stated what great parent’s grandma and grandpa were to have had raise four great men. I will remember what a great trip the brothers four had going to Ireland. I remember when Kevin stated not to turn off our cell phones during his tribute to his father. I will always remember when I hear a cell phone ring, how Uncle John loved his family. Uncle John will always be in our hearts and prayers.
Bette Sollars
July 14, 2009
To Kevin and family of John F. Mitchell, with deepest sympathy for the loss of not only a great leader in the industry, but a a father and a husband, who will be greatly missed by so very many.
NORM HALVORSEN
June 25, 2009
THE MITCHELLS ARE THE BROTHERS I NEVER HAD. MY MOTHER WOULD OFTEN SAY" WHY DON'T YOU HELP ME BAKE BREAD LIKE JOHN DOES FOR HIS MOTHER". SUNDAYS AFTER MASS HE WOULD HELP WITH MY MATH HOMEWORK ON THE MITCHELLS FRONT PORCH. YEARS LATER AFTER GOLF AT SUNSET RIDGE WHILE GETTING INTO OUR CARS HE TOSSED ME "THE BOOT" AND SAID CALL HOME AND SEE WHATS FOR DINNER. I SPOKE TO HIM WEEKS AGO AND HE WAS LOOKING FORWARD TO RETURNING TO FLORIDA FOR MORE GOLF. AS THE SO CALLED FIFTH BROTHER, I WAS PROUD TO REPEAT HIS ACOMPLISHMENTS TO FRIENDS AND ACQUANTENCES.
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joseph brophy
June 24, 2009
It was William Butler Yeats, the poet from Sligo,
Himself, heard whispering to passersby
From his hard bed in Drumcliffe graveyard
Near the Irish Cross guarding the Bundoran Way north
In the shadow on Benbulben.
Yeats said, the Mitchell bloodline from Cloghboley is thinning
When his namesake, William Mitchell set sail.
There was little land, political prison, the harp hidden.
First it was to John, then Charles and Michael Butte,
And then William, the principled penultimate of ten,
Gone to make their fortunes in copper.
Then Catherine, Mary, James and Bernie to the big cities
Patrick Denny was left in the old house with Da Char-less Mohr
And the eldest Old Tom, a fisherman on Fish Lane (of late Kilmacannon)
Later, William left his brothers at the mines to serve God & Country
Then joined other siblings in the city with bride Bridie Keane of Listowel
William now made his fortune as a copper with Bridie - a Brood of Brothers.
There was William, James, Edward and John – all known by other names
And all known by others as precocious in all endeavors
So Yeats’ fears allayed when John – the Red – the Harp - sang out in Irish
The true son of Ireland planted Moto’ in the green sod
The true leader in the new copper-less revolution
Electromag’ic waves “that danced liked the waves of the sea”
That would change the culture of Plant Earth during his Watch.
Heights of achievement n’er dreamt by Char-less Mohr,
Nor Yeats for that matter! O’John Francis Mitchell,
Perhaps the greatest innovator of the 20th Century.
Joe (Mitchell)-Brophy
Carol Flanagan
June 24, 2009
To the entire Mitchell family, my deepest condolences. I'll never forget a wonderful talk I had with your dad the day of my mother's funeral, 30 years ago. He spoke beautifully of the good time he had at the 21st anniversery party we had for my parents and Aunt Rita and Uncle Jay. He thanked me for inviting him as if he'd been invited to a 5 star gala rather than a very simple party given on a shoe string budget. I will always remember his kind and gracious comments. Think of your dad with a smile and treasure the many memories that made him to special to each of you.
Bob Hall
June 22, 2009
Thank you, John, for a wonderful exciting adventure at Motorola. You were one of th giants I was lucky enough to work with over the years. You always knew intellectually an intuitively the right thing to do for our success. We will all remember you for those successes.
My condolences to the family.
Bill Connor
June 22, 2009
John was an outstanding man. He was a gifted engineer and a born leader. He was intelligent and tough when he had to be, but he was also sensitive. He had a gift for looking ahead and he was willing to take business risks when he felt it was necessary. He led Motorola in its rise to prominence as a leader in the electronics industry.
Steve Earhart
June 22, 2009
To the Mitchell Family,
John was "genuine" in the best way. I will remember him for the career impact he had on so many of us at Motorola and, in particular, his style and respected position in the electronics industry. ... He leaves a wonderful legacy.
Truly,
Steve Earhart
Bob Becknell
June 21, 2009
John was a key member of the tri-part senior leadership team during my time at Motorola. He was the guy who made the strategic plans come alive and actually work as needed in the product, engineering and business applications. The ultimate problem solver and operations expert. He could challenge each of us to do our best when we were not meeting the objectives and we knew from his words that we needed to reach higher. Short term discomfort turned into longer term confidence with John's leadership.
We celebrate John's life and thank his family for sharing him with so many of us for so many good years.
June 21, 2009
John was one of my mother's first cousins. For as many visits I've made to Chicago I actually only met John & his brothers in Listowel & then Dublin Ireland. They were there to golf & my family & I were visiting from Reno NV. Best wishes to you all
Sincerely Jane Graettinger, Providence Forge VA.
Harry Mankodi
June 21, 2009
John drove us for achieving perfection.My very early supporter,mentor and user of my Operations research tools!Great leader,tough on outside but kinder,gentler at heart.Loved to challange us and I called him Mr.Motorola.A product and technology leader,he made commsector achieve the prominance in twoway comm.He trusted me with John Jr.'s future and guided all of us with the same energy and affection he had for his family.God bless his soul.We all will miss him.
Harry Mankodi
Karen Lago
June 21, 2009
I met your father when he would visit the Plantation, Florida facility in the 70's. We all strived to make everything perfect for his visits. He was known as a tough taskmaster but always got the job done. When Motorola was in its prime it was because of men like John Mitchell. Where are men like that today? For your family, please accept my sincere condolences.
June 21, 2009
I only met John a couple of times during my 23 year career at Motorola. What I do know is that he was a man of great integrity. God bless John and his family.
-Jim Vaughan
June 21, 2009
My sincere codolences to your family. John and i were on the swimteamat IIt and woked as lifeguards and also rowed on the crew for the northside beaches.He was at oakstreet and i at montrose beach. A great friend Jurgen Schmidt
Fernando Gomez
June 19, 2009
Any meeting with John Mitchell in the audience was always an education for me. When I had to present to him, I would always work extra hard to be prepared for his questions and comments. John always had a knack for getting to the essence of the topic and asking the questions that would make you really think hard. His style and demanding personality made many of us strive and achieve loftier goals than we thought possible. And that is my definition of leadership.
He will be missed.
Fern Gomez
Dee Mitchell Cochrane
June 19, 2009
My family Dee, Mike, and Mitchell Cochrane send our deepest sympathies on the loss of John. I am (Dee Mitchell) a daughter of James D. Mitchell who was born in Butte to Frank and Mary Mitchell. My Dad was about the same age when he passed and although he was ready to be with God it's still so hard, I think of him daily. I wish you much strength in carrying on without him. He was such an impressive man! I also have to say, looking at his picture I saw a little of my Dad in him, I think it's the Mitchell eyes. He was a very handsome man.
Again, all our best,
Dee, Mike, and Mitchell Cochrane
June 18, 2009
From the earliest days when I would carpool with John to Augusta, he was always a`friend and never afraid to give me a "Dim View" speech when I was falling short of the mark. There is no way to overestimate John's impact on Motorola. God Bless John, his family, and his many friends. Lets remember the smile on his face as he would do the chorus of "Yellow Bird".
John Battin Barrington, IL
John Sivalon
June 18, 2009
I would liek to express my deepest heartfelt condolences to all of the extended Mitchell family especially those in Chicago. My prayers are with you as you celebrate the life of John and his many accomplishments most importantly you his family.
June 17, 2009
John was a great leader but he was truly a great engineer and always pushed everyone for the betterment of Motorola.The world will miss him. NEIL HAGGLUND,Arlington Heights,IL
Darlene LaFalce
June 17, 2009
Kevin and Sharon,
Paul and I were so sorry to learn of your father's death. Please extend our condolences to your mother and children also. I am so glad that you were able to have all the time you did with him. Although I worked at the same company for some time, my memories will be of him and your mother cheering the children on in sporting events!!! Take care and find comfort in your memories.
June 16, 2009
My wife and I would like to extend our condolences to John's entire family. John, Bill and Bob were certainly leaders of industry. I will always appreciate the leadership and personal guidance he provided me during my Motorola days.
W.J. Kitchen, Rancho Santa Fe, CA.
June 16, 2009
My wife and I sincerely extend our condolences to his entire family. I knew John from our early days of Blackhawk park water polo team of the 40's and 50's. The team where the entire Mitchell brothers play and was coached by the younger brother, Ed Mitchell.
Sincerly Paul Castronovo and Kathy Yoders.
June 15, 2009
Kevin and family, we were very sad to hear the news of your dad's passing. Although I never met your dad, his legacy was very much alive through my tenure at Motorola. I was fortunate enough to be invited to witness Marty Cooper and the first Dyntac team receive an award for inventing the first cell phone. In their acceptance speeches your dad's name was mentioned several times, for his leadership, support and loyalty. It was obvious there was great respect for your dad.
I hope that all that he achieved in his life, as a Motorolan and a great Dad, will give you comfort.
Sincerely
Tracey Koziol & JC Oligario
Jim Mikulski
June 15, 2009
John was truly one of the giants of Motorola history. I recall him delegating his tasks as "Com Division" GM to immerse himself in cellular radio technology in the "Applied Research Lab" and in give-and-take with the engineers there as the FCC Docket (18262) that would shape Motorola's future was developing in the 1970's. His presence motivated us as we worked on those developments; his energy and dedication helped create a bright future for the company.
We all learned from John and we all were eager to work with him and for him. John was a good task master; demanding, fair, and willing to credit those who worked in the trenches.
His leadership will always be a big part of the Motorola that I remember.
My wife and I sincerely extend our condolences to his entire family.
Jim and Cecile Mikulski
Jim and Teresa Filicette
June 15, 2009
Kevin and family, I know this is a difficult time. My prayers and thoughts are with you in what I know is a very difficult time. Now is a time to reflect back at all the great memories and positive experiences in the lives that your father has touched.
Sincerely,
Ray Leopold
June 15, 2009
The wit, the wisdom, the charm and the verve of John Mitchell continues to live as an inspiration within us all. He showed us how to drive, he showed us how to motivate, he showed us how to deliver, and he showed us how to celebrate.
Here's a Jameson Irish Whiskey salute to John Mitchell who continues to live in the hearts of so many of us!
Al (Alfred) Stein
June 15, 2009
Kevin, I know it is difficult to loose one's fateher, I am very sorry. I worked at Motorola during the late 70's and early 80's, your father was one of the top managers and was always one that I could count on for help and guidance and as a result someone that I respected. May God Bless him and help you and your family in this difficult time.
Tom Beaver
June 15, 2009
Kevin,
Your dad was always a great mentor to me in my 35 plus years at Motorola starting at 4545 Augusta Blvd. He was most supportive of our fledgling efforts at the Computer Group.
I'm sure he is in heaven singing Yellow Rose to patient/tolerant ears!
Eamonn Cregan
June 15, 2009
John was a marvellous and steadfast friend to the University of Limerick over many years. His legacy of support, inspiration and commitment to the ideals of higher education will benefit many generations of students, faculty and staff.
John and the Mitchell name will always be remembered at UL.
Ar dheis De go raibh a anam uasal. (May his noble soul be at God's right arm).
Eamonn Cregan
University of Limerick
Ireland
Bob & Carol Janc
June 15, 2009
June 15, 2009...If Motorola had a soul, JOHN was definitely a huge part of it.
What a terrific guy in every way.
With sympathy to his family and fellow long time Motorolans...
Bob & Carol Janc, Wisconsin
Bob Lloyd
June 14, 2009
John was well known for demanding the highest levels of quality & reliability in our products.
In particular, he was rather famous for tearing belt clips off of pagers. It was informally known as "The John Mitchell Test".
In order to not bear the rath of John, we developed a special test fixture in Boynton Beach, affectionately referred to as the Mitchell tester, that would insure that all future products could meet his tough standards.
John was a tough task master, but well respected and admired by us all.
June 14, 2009
Kevin,
Our thoughts are with you. Your Dad was an inspiration to young managers at Motorola. He drove the organization to world class greatness, that has not been replicated since. He will be missed.
Tom Melzer,
Naperville IL
Lil Bissing
June 14, 2009
John could be quite formidable and I was deathly afraid of him the first three years I was his secretary. At one point, he agreed to meet with my nephew, who came out of that meeting and said, "John is just like a nice grandpa". I asked if he was talking about the same John that I worked for. Through the years, I too learned what a wonderful, generous man John was; to the universities and the young engineering hopefuls he met. I’m sure his giving spirit was passed on by the many people he helped. My entire family has been touched by John and he will never escape our thoughts. I know he would hate all these compliments, but I can’t think of a man more deserving. Finally, John was always telling me about his family. I hope you all find peace and strength in knowing how much he loved you all.
Marcia Carey Ray
June 14, 2009
John Mitchell...what a man; what a leader; and what a delightful character--a person who taught all of us about vision and the discipline required to attain great things. I'll never forget his sense of humor and heart, singing his "yellow bird" song at the officers conferences. I'm grateful to have known him.
Ed Vaughan
June 14, 2009
Dear Kevin and Family...My deepest condolences go out to you and the Family on the loss of a great man...I knew John for all my 35 years at Motorola...Had many great working moments with him...A great Engineer and leader of Motorola...He will be missed..
Ed Vaughan
Jean Varney
June 14, 2009
I worked with John for many years. He was a very kind and compassionate man. I will always remember him and his laugh. John may you rest in peace.
noel mulcahy
June 14, 2009
I remember the man who had pride in his Irish roots, and loved to join with caroline and me at the 'Pipers'; to sing 'toora loolal' and make a great attempt at the set dancing. We say ''Tá laoch ar lár' ( a hero has fallen). Prof Noel Mulcahy,
Jerry Zacker
June 14, 2009
I worked under John's leadership dating way back to the Motorola Augusta Boulevard days starting in 1966 until I retired 35 years later in 2001 from the Plantation Florida facility.
John was a tough task-master but always fair. We always learned from John during his thorough product reviews resulting in better designs.
As a result of John's fine leadership the company progressed and grew during many difficult economic times. It's unfortunate that Motorola doesn't have that class of leadership today when it really needs it.
I'm very sorry to hear of John's passing. However, he'll always remain in the memory of us Motorolans as one of the finest managers and significant contributors to the success of the company during its more prosperous times.
Ray Millington
June 14, 2009
John and I had a lot in common; same grade school, high school, college and swimming coach but no one could match John's drive and determination. Motorola was the better because of John and would still be great if his leadership and tough-mindedness had continued.
Ken Countess
June 14, 2009
John was a great leader during Motorola's finest hour and was an inspiration to many. We will miss him.
With deep sympathy,
Graham Haddock
June 14, 2009
John Mitchell was a great leader and manager. Tough, fair, visionary, insightful, and I thoroughly enjoyed working with and for him for my many years at Motorola.

June 14, 2009
Peggy and Kevin:
I spent a lot of time with John (much of it trying to keep him out of trouble!), and loved him a lot. Everyone knows about his business acumen and leadership, but it's John's laugh that we remember the most.
Rusty Brashear
Robert Pustay
June 14, 2009
I did not know John personally, but I remember seeing John at Jack's the Barber Shop across from Motorola on Saturday mornings. He was always friendly and I enjoyed talking to your Dad. He was a legend and a great leader.
Bob Pustay
37 year employee retired.
Lil Bissing
June 14, 2009
John could be quite formidable and I was deathly afraid of him the first three years I was his secretary. At one point, he agreed to meet with my nephew, who came out of that meeting and said, "John is just like a nice grandpa". I asked if he was talking about the same John that I worked for. Through the years, I too learned what a wonderful, generous man John was; to the universities and the young engineering hopefuls he met. I’m sure his giving spirit was passed on by the many people he helped. My entire family has been touched by John and he will never escape our thoughts. I know he would hate all these compliments, but I can’t think of a man more deserving. Finally, John was always telling me about his family. I hope you all find peace and strength in knowing how much he loved you.
Doug Smidl
June 13, 2009
June 13, 2009
Great memories with the Mitchell Family.
* Fun at the pool.
* The pommel horse in the basement.
* Making the crazy movies (thanks for the straw hat John).
* The condo in FL.
* The '76 Nova and driving around on summer nights.
And many more....
I will miss John and his kindness to me as a young man growing up spending lots of time at the Mitchell's house and with thier family.
Best Regards,
Doug Smidl
Barney O'Connor
June 13, 2009
John was a legend in his own time. Those of us who worked at Motorola in the "good old days" will never forget his time as our leader.
Dick Day
June 13, 2009
Kevin
Our prayers are for you, your mother and your entire family, a two-way radio icon has passed.
Annette and I have many great memories, but none better than being with your mom and dad when his promotion to President of Motorola was announced, we were all on a lovely beach in Puerto Rico. Despite his love and skill at swimming, we almost drowned him that day as we were all so happy for him and proud of what he had accomplished.
Dick and Annette Day
C&E veterans
Rita & Bob Bigony
June 13, 2009
Kevin & Family,
We are saddened by the passing of John. He was the "GREAT MOTIVATOR", always raising the bar of expectations for himself, his associates and his company. A guiding spirit for those of us that enjoyed his friendship. We will remember John's humor and smile the most!
With our Deepest Sympathy
Patrick J Gaughan
June 13, 2009
Late Jan 29, 2009, I was admitted to a hospital. I needed to make a call but could not find the room phone. The man in the next bed, altho in pain himself, insisted I use his phone which I did. At that time I thought to myself "what a kind and caring person he was". The next morning I was in & out for test, he was being prepared to be transferred to another facility so we did not have time to talk. His son came in and overheard a conversation I had with one of the Dr's. As they were removing his dad I wished him good luck and thanked him again for the use of the phone. He like wise wished me good luck. His son gathered his dads belonging and started to leave. He then stopped at my bed to wish me good luck and said they couldn't help but over hear my conversation that I too had worked for Motorola. It was then that I found out "that kind & caring man" was John Mitchell. It was that kind & caring "Spirit" of people like Paul & Bob Galvan and John Mitchell along with a few other that made Motorola the place you were proud to be part of. I know my late brother Jim was, his wife Virg, my wife Lorrie and myself are. Our prayers are with you all and May God reward The Souls of Paul, Jim and John for the work they did here on earth.
Art Sundry
June 13, 2009
Wonderful guy Wonderful to work with and for Wonderful friend Made my years at Motorola wondeful
There will never be another John Mitchell
ED MITCHELL
June 13, 2009
MY BROTHER JOHN WAS AN OUTSTANDING PERSON IN ALL RESPECTS. A GREAT FAMILY MAN AS WELL AS A GIANT OF INDUSTRY. HE WAS HUMBLE, MODEST AND VERY THOUGHTFUL OF OTHERS. A FINE ATHLETE, SWIMMER AND WATER POLO PLAYER. TOUGH ON THE GOLF COURSE ALSO.
Dennis Sester
June 13, 2009
John was one of the greatest teachers that I have ever had the opportunity to know. And, at the same time, one of the toughest teachers, as well. He was the impetus behind building a great company filled with so many great people that he helped create. Thanks, John, for decades of progress and prosperity under your great leadership.
Martin Cooper
June 13, 2009
John was my mentor and my hero for most of my 29 year carreer at Motorola. his wisdom has guided me ever since. I will always be grateful and will never forget him.
Marty Cooper
June 13, 2009
Dear Kevin: My thoughts are with you on this day and you can be proud of your father's accomplishments at Motorola. I knew him at Motorola from 1959 till he retired and think of his legacy often when looking back on those remarkable days. He was a dynamic leader.
Dick Kinzig

In respect and memory to great times at Motorola!
Sheryl Phillips
June 13, 2009
I did not know your Father very well, but worked under him during better times at Motorola. I include this photo as a reminder of what I learned while at Motorola, which was to be truthful always, strive for the best, and have fun doing it. My sympathy in the passing of your Father and a great hooray for a life well lived!
June 13, 2009
We were all saddened to hear the news and join the Mitchell Family in celebrating John's life and the many memories he created.
Now, the team of John Mitchell and Bill Weisz are together again and I am certain coming up with new leadership development or Six Sigma training, etc up in Heaven.
As I recently celebrated my 30th year at Motorola, the experiences I have been honored to have are a result of the leadership John provided and the company he and others built over the years since the early days.
All our Best,
Dave Weisz and Family and
Barbara, George, and Terri Weisz
Robert Nunamaker
June 13, 2009
I knew John as my first boss at Augusta Blvd. He was a great guy and a skilled mentor. He was also one of my best salesmen.
Bob Nunamaker
Ralph Ponce de Leon
June 13, 2009
John was always an inspiration to Motorola people. His leadership was firm, fair and meaningful. His spirit will always be with us. Our deep condolences to his family and all lucky enough to have known him.
Nancy Comerford
June 13, 2009
Kevin,
I was so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. May wonderful memories help comfort you and your family in the days ahead.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Stephen Levy
June 13, 2009
During my years at Motorola John and I became good friends. He was a pleasure to work with and a pleasure to socialize with. We both enjoyed a drink or two after work and got to know each other quite well. Thru the years John was a very important contributor to Motorola's sucess. He will be misssed by many!

Dad and I, in Elmhurst
Kevin Mitchell
June 13, 2009
Dad and I shared so many great times together. Building a working radio for the school science fair. Swimming at the Elmhurst YMCA in the winters. Snorkeling off the beaches in St. Croix. Driving around Ireland, while Dad played the tin whistle. Watching the Bears games together on Sundays.
I enjoyed every moment we spent together.
Your Son.
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