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Co-founder of Sakonnet Vineyards Dies|James Andrew Mitchell died peacefully on February 17th, at age 95, in Rockport, Maine. After serving in the U.S. Army Air Force as an aviation cadet during WWII, he earned a degree in Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology. He worked for Union Carbide, the United States Agency for International Development in South Korea, and Arthur D. Little, as a Senior Vice President in the International Division.
In 1975, Jim and his wife Lolly left corporate life and spent the next fifteen years transforming a potato farm in Little Compton into Sakonnet Vineyards. They planted acres of grapevines--and neighboring farmers planted grapevines for them, as well--and built the winery and the house they lived in, with Jim swinging a hammer along with others. It was the first licensed winery in Rhode Island since Prohibition. When Hurricane Gloria hit in 1985, they created a commemorative wine, "Eye of the Storm." Their wines won multiple awards, and Sakonnet became the premier vineyard and winery in New England and a pioneer in the growing regional wine industry.
In 1989, Jim and Lolly retired to mid-coast Maine. In his so-called retirement, he wrote six books, including a photographic essay of emotions in motion called "Body and Soul" and "Finding Their Own Voices," profiling 35 women in Maine doing unconventional jobs. Over his lifetime, he also built five boats and restored one. Always ready for an adventure, Jim also helped Lolly plan, organize, and lead over 25 trips to centers of contemporary art in this country and abroad.
He leaves his wife of 49 years, Lloyd Adams Mitchell, two daughters, his sister, two granddaughters, and three great grandchildren.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home Inc.
3 Entries
I didn't know Jim but Little Compton will forever be in his debt, essentially kick starting the town's efforts to preserve and enhance it's agrarian roots. Right guy, right time for the right reasons. Hale and farewell.
Scott Brown
April 11, 2022
Lolly,
We were so sorry to read of Jim's passing. He was a wonderful, talented gentleman who lived a full, happy life! You are in our thoughts! Connie & Tom
Connie & Tom Hammermeister
Friend
March 5, 2022
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Please take comfort in the words found at 2nd Thessalonians 2: 16,17.8
DT
February 28, 2022
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