Lewis N. "Jim" Mitchell

1932 - 2024

Lewis N. "Jim" Mitchell

08/19/1932 - 04/24/2024

Lewis N. Mitchell, known throughout his life as Jim, died with his family at his side on April 24, 2024 at Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory.

Jim was a dedicated father, grandfather and great-grandfather, a good friend, a furniture industry trailblazer, an all-weather golfing buddy and a diehard St. Louis Cardinals fan.

Born to Neal and Margaret Mitchell on August 19, 1932, the heart of the Great Depression, in the close-knit mill village of Brookford, North Carolina, Jim developed independence at an early age. He spent his days roaming the nearby river and woods, playing ball (and later, soldiers), often with his cousin Dyke Little, and listening to the 50,000 watt radio broadcasts of the St. Louis Cardinals. He carried the values he learned in Brookford-hard work, stewardship, responsibility, optimism and respect for all-throughout his entire life.

When his slightly older neighbors headed off to France, Belgium and other World War II battle zones, Jim got the chance as a 12-year-old to hone his baseball skills on the semi-professional Brookford textile mills baseball league team. He later played on the 1948 Hickory American Legion baseball team that won the State and Southeast Regional titles, played football as well as baseball for Hickory Highand was recruited to play minor league baseball. Sports were his passion, but Jim was an excellent student as well.

In 1949, Jim was smitten by and married Mary Ruth Benfield. The couple raised five daughters– Denise, Cathy, Beth, Lori and Andrea "Andi" - who looked to him for advice and were inspired by his example. The family was an active part of the congregation of Viewmont Baptist Church.

Jim's marriage to Ruth Mitchell ultimately ended in divorce. He later married Dianne Deal Mitchell, who died of breast cancer in 2003.

He began working in furniture manufacturing in 1954, rising to manage large brand name companies before making the decision, in 1989, to start his own company, McKinley Leather of Hickory, together with his daughters Lori Sadowski and Denise Mitchell. He deeply valued his employees and staff, getting to know and care for each of them personally. He had high expectations yet was known for treating people fairly and honoring his commitments. Jim loved hearing his customers' life pursuits while visiting with them at the High Point Furniture Market. He took special pride in the growing leadership role Lori assumed as she began to take over management of McKinley.

Jim remained active in the company even after his retirement, consulting on strategy and maintaining friendships with McKinley sales representatives as well as other industry contacts who became part of the large community of family, friendsand acquaintances he treasured-and who treasured him.

Jim enjoyed international travel, beach trips and Friday night dancing with special companion Betsy Valentini. He loved playing golf with his comrades at Catawba Country Club, determined to keep playing, even after he had to carry portable oxygen for the last couple years. He retained his encyclopedic knowledge of sports teams and players, looked forward to checking the Cardinals box scores every morning, tracked current events closely and reveled in following the lives of every member of his cherished family.

He was a member of Corinth Reformed Church in Hickory.

In addition to his parents; Jim was preceded in death by a brother, Charles; a sister, Bobbie; his wives Ruth Mitchell and Dianne Deal Mitchell; and a beloved daughter, Andrea Mitchell.

He is survived by his daughters Denise Mitchell (Bob Weinberg), Cathy Leitch (Jim), Beth Crone (John), Lori Sadowski (Joey); grandchildren Brooke Spellman, Rianne Burch Schmidt, Bradley Leitch, Will Crone, Andrew Crone, Chase Crone, Joseph Sadowski and Nicholas Sadowski; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Jim's well-lived life will be remembered and celebrated on Saturday, May 18. Visitation will be 12:30 to 1:45 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 2 p.m., at Corinth Reformed Church in Hickory.