John Elbert Mitchell

John hired me in Cleveland, OH in 1977 as an IBM Systems Engineer. I lost touch with him when he moved back to the Seattle area. He was a great manager, and a wonderful person. I worked for IBM for 32 years and will ever be thankful to him. I am so sorry for your loss.

John and I met in Pullman in the fall of 1966. He found out I was a "Huskie" and thereafter it was "Game On". So I have a lot of thoughts and stories, but I'll only relate one that best portrays our relationship. Our 2 families were on a Spring Break ski trip to western Montana in about 1979. It was great powder snow almost daily. One afternoon John looked out of the big lodge window and said "Let's go make Snow Angels", so we went out and did. Then we went back into the lodge. Our 4 kids looked at us with astonishment and our wives looked at like we were crazy. And then we jumped into the swimming pool as we were only wearing swimming shorts.

I watched the zoom service on Saturday the 30th and the feeling about John is summed up in a brief quote by the author Maya Angelou:
"People will forget what you said and did, but they will never forget how you made them feel."
Joe Wozniak

I am so sad! I really appreciate you never giving up on me and always seeing my potential. You were one of my favorite teachers and biggest supporters. You will be greatly missed :(

John was an outstanding Rotarian, and Rotary Club of Ballard was honored to have him as a member. He attended faithfully, regularly participated in community projects, and was always thoughtful and cheerful. We loved his stories, his kindness, and his generosity of spirit. He will be sorely missed.

God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Condolences for your loss.

John was my senior math teacher at Davis HS in Yakima in 1968. I remember him well (and I remember his departure to IBM). His teaching skill and humor made learning fun and interesting. I ran into him a few times later at education-related events. He is one of the people who inspired my life-long commitment to the field of public education, having become a teacher, counselor and counselor/educator myself.

Norm Walker
President, Yakima School District Board of Directors

John was part of a group of people who have been friends since growing up in Pasco in the 50s. He didnt grow up with us, but married a gal who did. John was called a TOG. The Other Group. RIP John.

At Sunset West, I always enjoyed coffee hours with John and his stories and remember that he thought mine were very interested. I was happy to have met with John and very sad with his passing. Terry 'TC' Howard 303B SWCA.