James Edward Mitchell

James Edward Mitchell, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, peacefully departed this world on February 6, 2024, at his home in North Salt Lake, Utah, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife Gina (Regina Redd), his children Brooke [Scott] Hyland, Chet [Charlotte] Mitchell, Megan [Greg] Nickel, and Sarah [Bj] Bisel, brothers Bill, Tom, and Mike, 15 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents Jim and Veone, his brother Dave, and his son Zeke.
Jim was born on February 19, 1941, in Provo, Utah, to James Maeser Mitchell and Mary Veone Hopkins. His formative years were spent in Provo, where he attended Brigham Young Elementary and Brigham Young High School. He spent the summer after high school graduation working with friends in Big Piney, Wyoming. While there he realized being a "Mormon" and the values it represented were what he wanted for his life, so he was baptized by one of his friends while still in Wyoming. Jim furthered his education at Brigham Young University before serving as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the New Zealand South Mission.
Upon returning from his mission, he enlisted in the Army Reserve. While waiting to be called up for training he worked for Gina's brother Paul at Redd Ranches in La Sal, Utah. During that summer Jim and Gina fell in love at the base of the La Sal Mountains among hayfields and on long walks under star-filled skies. He then completed his basic training at Fort Ord, California and his Advanced Individual Training at the Presidio in San Francisco, California in the fall of 1966. After training he returned to Utah where he and Gina were married on October 20, 1966 in the Salt Lake Temple. He worked for Mountain Bell until his unit was called up in April 1968. His military service took him to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, where he welcomed the arrival of his first child, Brooke, in August 1968. He was granted early release from his military service in July 1969 to work on his wife's family's ranch where his second child, Chet, was born later that fall.
Soon after Chet's birth Jim returned to his career in the telecommunications industry. He and Gina established roots in Salt Lake City before building their dream home in Holladay, Utah. Their family continued to grow with the arrivals of Zeke (1971), Megan (1975), and Sarah (1977), each adding richness and love to their lives.
Throughout the years, Jim and Gina created treasured memories at their second home in St. George, Utah, where they enjoyed their family gatherings, rest and relaxation. Retirement beckoned in 1999, affording Jim the freedom to pursue his passions, chief among them his enduring love for his family, golf, classic cars, and the fine arts.
Jim had a love/hate relationship with golf. When the weather allowed, he played several times per week. He also vowed to quit golf several times a year. For many years he rated golf courses for the Utah Golf Association, allowing him to play virtually every golf course in Utah. He also enjoyed making golf clubs for his son, sons-in-law, grandsons-in-law, and friends.
Affectionately known as Papa Jimbo by his grandkids, Jim embodied an understated warmth that defined his steadfast love for his wife, children, and grandchildren. His unwavering devotion, coupled with a dry sense of humor that left an enduring imprint on all who knew him, will be profoundly missed. We are so thankful for the plan of happiness and find comfort in the knowledge that we will be with him again.
Funeral services will be held at the Foxhill Ward chapel at 200 South Eagle Ridge Drive in North Salt Lake, Utah.
Family Greeting: Monday, February 12, 2024 from 10:00 - 11:30 AM
Funeral: Monday, February 12, 2024 at 12:00 PM
Interment: Holladay Memorial Cemetery, 4900 S Memory Lane, Holladay, Utah
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