James (Jim) Mitchell

James (Jim) Mitchell

6/11/37-12/1/2020

Jim Mitchell passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at the age of 83 at Azura Memory Care in Oconomowoc, WI.

Jim is survived by his dedicated and caring wife of 52 years, Barbara (nee Lawrence) Mitchell, daughters Kelly (Will) McClain of Ft. Myers FL, and Kerry (Steve) Muller of San Antonio, Texas. Jim is also survived by his 5 Grandchildren; Marnie, Mac, Kamryn, Kaitlyn and Stephen; sisters Virginia (Tom) Jochimsen of Racine, and Dottie (Alan) Sunio of Honolulu, Hawaii. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, relatives, and lifelong friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jay and Dorothy Mitchell, and his brother, Joe Mitchell.

A Milwaukee native, Jim grew up across from and attended St. Catherine Catholic Church in Granville. He played football for Menomonee Falls High School and graduated in 1955. After serving as a Medic in the the US Army Reserves, Jim returned to the Milwaukee area to race stock cars. He circled the tracks of Cedarburg, Hales Corners, and Slinger Speedways in the 1960's and 70's. Jim developed a lifelong love for the sport of racing.

Jim was a well-known bar owner in the Milwaukee area, and started his business career with "Jim's Old Mill" in 1964. In 1970, he opened his second location and for 30 years, he proudly owned and operated World Famous Jim Mitchell's, "Where It's Fun To Be Thirsty", on the Northwest side of Milwaukee. When the black Cadillac was parked in front, customers knew they would see Jim behind the bar.

An avid Nascar fan, Jim made regular trips to Daytona, Indianapolis, Talladega and other races around the country. Always the thrill seeker, he earned his pilot's license and enjoyed flying during the 80's. Jim also loved visiting Las Vegas with Barbara, Wisconsin Badgers Football, the Green Bay Packers, and his loyal Golden Retriever companions, Bailey and Riley.

After retiring in 2000, Jim spent his summers golfing and winters in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida with Barbara.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a Celebration of Jim's Life will be held at a later date.

The Family wishes to thank St. Croix Hospice and Azura Memory Care for their compassion and commitment to Jim's care. A special thanks to Jim's Hospice Nurse, Missy, a true angel on Earth. Donations can be made in Jim's Memory to the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Association.

"Salute!"

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel from Dec. 4 to Dec. 6, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for James Mitchell

Sponsored by Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral and Cremation Services.

6 Entries

Mark Borchardt

May 26, 2021

I loved drinking pitchers of beer at Jim Mitchell's.

Lynn Wagner

May 21, 2021

Hello! Slinger Speedway would like to honor on our Tribute Night in July. Could someone from the family contact me at [email protected]? Thank you

Lynda Truddeau-Witt

December 7, 2020

Dear Barb,
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Gail Girdes Maiden name

December 6, 2020

Sad day to hear of Jim's passing. In 1972 Jim hired me to bartend on weekend days at World Famous Jim Mitchells. He taught me how to bartend and people tend. HAHA I learned a lot from him and will never forget that place and the people. He used to bring his St. Bernard in sometimes. He was always off to a race on weekends and would bring back a ton of people. Always a good time when Jim was around. Such a big personality. May his family be at peace now. My Dad had the same disease and it was so hard to see anyone in that state. Bless all of you.

Linda Jaeger

December 6, 2020

I grew up right down the street from Michells. Hung out there for years. My brother Ronnie Lopez was a friend of his. Jimmy would invite Ronnie on a short Flights now and then around the state. He was always so nice to Ronnies little sister... me!! May you rest well in heaven Jimmy. My deepest condolences to his family.

RAY COTE JR.

December 5, 2020

OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO BARB AND FAMILY IN YOUR LOSS OF JIM, NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN AS FRIEND, CLASS MATE, RACING COMPANION AND ALL AROUND INTERESTING EXCITING FELLOW MAN. OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU FOR YOUR FAMILY AND WE WILL ALL JOIN TOGETHER IN THE FUTURE WITHOUT PAIN OR SUFFERING. SEVENTY YEARS OF MEMORIES WILL NEVER BE LOST.

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