James C. Mitchell

In re-reading Jim's memorial post it brought to mind what a great guy he truly was. The word Integrity describes him to a "T". The other day I was looking at a couple of Harry Heine paintings and was reminded of the time Jim commissioned the late artist to paint Harry Taylor's beloved "Sweet Lips" that Harry had moored in Brentwood Bay. It was such a wonderful, thoughtful gift and Harry treasured it. Nice to be able to share the memory. Thanks.

We were just talking about Jim! Len bought a new keyboard and as he was practicing we were reminded of how we used to play "Name that Tune" with mom and Jim. He could not stump them. Len would play tunes from the 30's, 40's and 50's and they identified the songs within seconds. They were a great team! Both are dearly missed.

We think of Jim & Mom often - so many great memories.

Five years now Dad and there is not a day goes by that I don't remember what a great man you were.
You were a tough act to follow but I'm still working on it !!
Love yah bud.

It's been four years today Dad.
You have been greatly missed by all of your friends and family.
We were all very fortunate to have encountered your always positive outlook on just about everyone and everything.
You were ALWAYS pleasant to be around. I am a very lucky guy to have had such a great Dad.

It's been one year today since we lost you Dad. We sure do miss you bud. You were a classic. God bless, rest in peace and we are always remembering and thinking about you.

Love, David

Sarah, Peter Jr. and myself remember our Uncle Jim as a funny, kind and generous man. He was always making us laugh. He took us on a trip from The Pas to Toronto at Easter in the 60's and we toured everything in between. He gave us so many wonderful memories. We were able to visit our Gran that year and meet our cousins Dave and Lindsay again.
Last year in August 2010, my husband Bob and I spent time with Uncle Jim, Dave and Pat on our way out to the east coast. We visited Parc Omega, feeding the elk and the other animals,and meeting Dave and Pat's sons. Uncle Jim had a great time with us.
We loved and will miss our Uncle Jim.

Eileen (Pat Mitchell's sister), Jim, and Brian and Dennis remember Grandpa Jim as a kind, sociable, and friendly person who enjoyed having people around him. He will always be fondly remembered and his passing is our loss. He makes a great addition to the team in heaven!!

I recently heard of Jim's passing - he was such a lovely, joyful man. Kind and generous. Full of fun and life. He was such a great friend, and kept making friends across his lifetime. Jim and my dad, Denis Smith, were great pals and what a blessing it was to watch that friendship in action. They knew each other across a lifetime and I know that that relationship meant a great deal to Dad. I am sure his loss is deeply felt by many. With thanks for a life well lived.

Taken in March 2005 at Brentwood Bay during one of the Geiger visits.

My wife and I were in Ireland when Jim passed so we didn't learn of his death for several days. Jim was a great man who will be sorely missed. I have known Jim for many years. I moved to Richvale in 1961 and attended Thornhill high with David, Jim's only son. David and I have been friends ever since. As you know in those days Jim traveled throughout Canada for Irwin Specialties and was especially familiar with the National Parks in the West. I had seen pictures of the Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton National Park and determined I would like to work there in the summers while at College. I mentioned this to Jim. Sometime later I received the name and address of the Company that owned the Hotel - they were in Arizona - along with an application form and all the information I needed to apply. This was all at the behest of Jim Mitchell. Well I applied for the job, got it and ended up as a bell hop at that Hotel. The money I was able to make (in those days tourists were VERY GENEROUS to university students working in resort hotels) went a long way to pay for four years of University, and was one of the most memorable periods of my life. I learned to love the mountains and have returned to Waterton on numerous occasions, often with my family - introducing them to the joys of mountain hiking, travel and skiing. I always thanked Jim for the trouble he went to helping me have that opportunity.

In 1976 my now wife and I traveled to the West where we hiked in Waterton. Then we went to B.C. We visited with Jim on Brentwood Bay. He insisted on putting us up in the Inn which was next door to his home, and took us out Salmon fishing in his cruiser. We got up at 5:00 am to copious quantities of hand made smoked salmon. That kept us going for many hours of the best fishing I've ever had. We caught over 50 pounds of Salmon that day (which we drove back across the country in a dry ice cooler). My wife and I will never forget his generosity, his great sense of humor and the fact that you had fun just being with him.

We visited Jim several other times whenever we were on Vancouver Island. In fact, a trip to the West wasn't complete without stopping in at Brentwood Bay. His humor and love of fun continued unabated, even if the fishing didn't.

His later years were hard for him. He was on dialysis for years and finally he could no longer care for himself. But he never complained, his spirit, his love of life, his humor and his generosity remained the same. Everything was always 'terrific'. It was still fun just being around him.

Anyone looking for a model of how you should live your life need look no further.

[I have several photos of Jim I will try to add once they are digitized]

Jim was one-of-a-kind, a truly warm, funny, positive and generous man who loved family, friends and fishing. My husband Tom and I had the pleasure of knowing Jim through my father, Denis Smith, his life-long friend. Jim often recounted to us the hub-bub and celebration surrounding my Dad's birth along with other (tall?) tales of their childhood growing up in Souris Manitoba. How wonderful that they were able to share their retirement years together again. Tom and Jim were equally passionate about fishing and spent many hours on the ocean together hunting the great BC salmon, while Jim chanted "come on Lady Luck" and then a loud "bingo bango" with each bite. Remembering Jim's many familiar sayings never fails to put a smile on our faces; indeed one of Jim's many gifts was to keep those around him happy and smiling. We shared many memorable meals with Jim in Brentwood Bay , at my Dad's in Victoria and at our home in Cowichan Bay. Our last meal together was in Embrom at Dave and Pat's where Jim was fortunate enough to spend his last few years with his remarkable family. He couldn't have been luckier... or had better care or more love and respect anywhere. What a great family...his legacy! We will all deeply miss Jim. Lady Luck was very good to him...and to us, those fortunate enough to have known and loved Jim. For that we are grateful.

Today would have been my father’s 88th birthday.
He often spoke with me about great men,
such as: Peter Mitchell Sr., Sam Irwin, Jimmy Thomson, Joseph Whitehead, Winston Churchill….. etc,etc..
But, to me Dad…you were the greatest man that ever lived.
Happy Birthday Dad...you will never be forgotten.
David

Dear David, The people in the picture with Grandad Peter Campbell Mitchell are Jim Mitchell and Charlie Mitchell. Missing are the eldest Margerite McGregor Mitchell(Gordon) and youngest John C.P.Mitchell.
Love to all, Keith S. Mitchell

I was Irwin's artist from 1966-69, and then again in 1972, until we moved west. Still doing art work for Irwin's by mail I would see Jim when he'd set up at The Mount Royal Hotel, Banff.
I was touched when Henry Beckmann sent me photos of Jim with my framed original tea towel designs hanging at Jim's Brentwood Bay home.
Jim was the saleman I loved best. I remember him with a broad smile and a genuine warmth. His memory will live on in the hearts of many.
www.artbysaltiel.com

Dave,Pat and family.
Our thoughts are with you in this sad time. How we not realize that life can be so short. One day sitting out in the front yard enjoying a few rays greeting your neighbours to be left without notice.
Our condolences go out to you all.
Jim might have left us but cherish those memories deep within your hearts and he shall never be forgotten!
The Raymonds
Denis, Clo & Justin

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Mitchell family in this time of mourning. I have been very lucky to be able to know James from visits to Brentwood Bay, BC as well as his time in Embrun, ON. He was a great man who will always be remembered and the contributions he has made for all of us in the past will live on forever.

Grampa,
I would like to thank you for giving me the chance to learn what it really means to be a grandson. Of course in the beginning it's all about runny noses and Christmas visits but fortunately for me; it became more.

Not many men are lucky enough to have had what I had at the age of 31; a grandfather living just minutes away, with amazing parents who are always there for you. Over 100 years of life experience at my disposal.

Grampa, you set the bar.
Your example will live on for generations ( I promise).

We miss you so much

David,

I am very sorry to hear about your father. I enjoyed the time with him last summer. You have my sympathy.

Betty McLellan

Jim Mitchell of Brandon, Manitoba was a man who, from his earliest years, was unassumingly proud of his heritage, his roots.
He spoke often of those who passed before him and nourished that same pride in the new generation of 4 grandsons.
Jim did not suffer fools easily and led by example with his honesty, courage and determination.
The same inner strength that climbed into the cockpit of his Squadron 411 Spitfire followed him throughout his years and was evident even when his health was failing. Not one to dwell on the negative, Jim rarely complained and despite his own issues, would always wish someone else "Have a happy day".
His life's example is what his loved ones will remember and cherish and try their best to emulate. That will be Jim's greatest legacy.

My thoughts are with the Mitchell Family at this time. I had the privilege to provide care to Grandpa Mitchell for many years, and during that time he shared many stories with me. He was a real character, and he will truly be missed. The Strandholt Family

Hi David,

I now know that you are Jim's beloved son! He often spoke of you all...and showed pictures too.

My grandfather John Casap Peter Mitchell was the brother of Jim's Dad (Charles?). Jim recounted the story to me of leaving Brandon at a young age on the train bound for Toronto. His mother had previously left for a job in California and his father decided that sending him east was the best decision he could make for a young boy. Perhaps it was for schooling or to stay with relatives? At any rate he said he left Brandon with short pants on...the kind that come just below the knee. He said he felt quite smartly dressed until he reached Toronto and he realized that people there were looking at his clothing with disdain. I guess short pants were definitely not for city folk!! He told me he remembered thinking "I am a Mitchell and no one looks down on a Mitchell!" He held his head up and took long strides. We both laughed at that innate pride we each felt over carrying the Mitchell name. I am sure he instilled the pride in all of you too.

I have contacted as many of your Grandfather's friends here in Jasper that I can think of. They each have great memories and are sad to think of the world without him in it. Your Grandfather was a unique and well loved man.

Nancy Mitchell

As a longtime friend of Jim's son David, I have fond memories of a man who lived life to the full. Now that he's gone on to the "next adventure", he has left the best legacy anyone can hope to in David and Pat's tightly knit, hard-working, loving family. "He is not dead who has left us this great heritage of remembering joy" - find happiness now because he lived.

We have had the priviledge of knowing Jim for only a short time. All should be proud of the accomplishments he has had thoughout his life. It is not often that we get a chance to truely appreciate someone that has given so much of his life to others. Thank you Jim and may the wind be always at your back. Carolyne, Ken and family.

I too want to add my condolences to Jim' family and friends. As my sister and brother have said previously "Cousin Jim" or "Santa Claus' helper" was a very special man in our lives. Our Grandparents, Peggy and John Mitchell, always looked forward to their special nephew's visits. We as children truly believed that Jim lived at the North Pole, which was easy because Jim was always so jovial and thoughtful and giving.
Having Cousin Jim in our lives made life magic.

I will remember Jim fondly for his visits to my family in Brandon, Manitoba. We always referred to him as "Santa Claus' helper" as he was so generous to my four siblings and me. It was great to reconnect with him here in Jasper, Alberta in the late 80s and early 90s. Nancy (Mitchell) Addison

When I was very young, Jim would visit our family in Brandon and would always bring each of us a toy (my favourite was a sword that would expand or contract when slaying my adversary) and I only knew him as "Santa's Helper", I hope I can live up to, both the name I knew him by and our shared name, he was loved by our family and his spirit lives on in all of us. Cheers to a very kind man, Jim D. Mitchell

I remember sitting on Grandpa’s veranda in BC, looking out at the beautiful Brentwood Bay as the sailboats and yachts came in – listening to the sizzle lunch made on the old fashion countertop grill. I had the privilege of heading out there many times to visit, but there are two visits I remember the most. First, the time my mom, dad and us four Mitchell brothers loaded up the station wagon and drove from Ottawa to Victoria; and second, was the summer of 2004 when I spent the month of August out there visiting both Ryan (who was living there) and Grandpa. Everyone I meet who knows Grandpa speaks very highly of him. He was always someone we looked up to, and like I told him last week, we are grateful for everything he’s taught us - specifically how to work hard, treat your family and friends with love and respect, and live it up. We love you Grandpa Jim.

My brothers were lucky enough to head out west to see Grandpa Jim when they were teens. They would come back with stories about Grandpa that made him sound like the toughest man in history (as a kid, karate chopping crustaceans is certainly the most heroic feat possible). I was lucky to have Grandpa move to Embrun in recent years. Although I never got to see the karate chop in action, his 24/7 positive attitude, sense of humour, and straight shooting personality made him an important role model for myself and my brothers. I will remember Grandpa as a man's man, who valued the important things in life, and never worried about the things that aren't. He will be missed as my biggest fan while I'm on the ice, and as the guy in the room that puts a smile on everyones face. We'll miss ya Sport.

Our lives were made richer and happier for having know Jim - he always had a welcoming smile and a kind thought. Jim was one of the great ones. We have many fond memories of past times spent with him.