James Donald "Jay" Mitchell Jr.

James "Jay" Donald Mitchell, Jr., a beacon of kindness and ingenuity in his community, bid farewell to this world on March 31, 2025, in Lexington, KY, at the age of 46. Born on July 9, 1978, in Cynthiana, KY, Jay's zeal for life and love for his family radiated throughout his entire being.
Jay was the cherished husband of Heather Nicole Martin Mitchell and a devoted father to his five children, Trevor (Gabbrielle Thompson) Mitchell, Julia Mitchell, Tyler (Shelby) Moore, Gabby Richardson, and Lilly (Austin Harris) Tucker. His role as a grandfather to Elianni and Camila Sanchez, Jessica Moore, Tyler Royse, Hayden Moore, Gavin Moore, and Liliana Ritchie filled him with immense joy and pride. As one of nine siblings, he shared an unbreakable bond with Garry Mitchell, Elizabeth Setty, Donna Overly, Debbie Wilcher, Julie Traylor, and Crystal Mitchell. His light also shone brightly in the lives of his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, nephews, and cousins, touching the hearts of Brian, Brandy, Jamie, Matthew, Chaslee, Christy, Stephanie, Cody, Nathaniel, Jonathan, Susan, Chris, Shawn, Leroy, Hannah, Brittany, Hollie, Michael, Tyler, Samantha, and Andrew.
Jay was lovingly welcomed into the Martin family by his father-in-law Dennis (Kathy) Martin and mother-in-law Bobby Kay Holmes. He held the memory of his late parents, J.D. and Christine Mitchell, close to his heart, as well as his siblings Barbara Ritchie, Janice Baker, Tammy Hamm and sister-in-law Tiffany Martin, who predeceased him.
For 11 years as the owner of Mitchell's Garage and another 14 as the head technician at Doston Brothers Dodge/Chrysler, Jay's reputation for unparalleled skill and service in the automotive community was second to none. His dedication to service extended into his involvement with the Paris Kiwanis and his faith community at Heritage Assembly of God.
Beyond his professional achievements, Jay's life was characterized by his love of family gatherings, riding motorcycles, boating, camping, and fishing on the lake. As an avid sports fan, he bled UK blue and roared for the Cincinnati Bengals every season. His remarkable ability to fix anything with a motor and wheels was a testament to his generous and handy nature.
Jay was a man who infused thoughtfulness into every action-whether he was underneath a car hood or sharing a heartfelt conversation with a friend. His passing leaves a gaping hole in the tapestry of many lives, but his legacy of warmth, talent, and affection will forever live on. Jay's story is not one of sorrow, but of a life abundantly and joyously lived and a kindred spirit that will be profoundly missed.
Funeral services will be conducted at 3:00 PM Monday April 7, 2025, by Garry Mitchell and Garrol Finch at the Lusk-McFarland Funeral Home Chapel, 1120 Main St., Paris, KY. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Memory Gardens, Paris, KY.
Visitation will be from 10:00 AM Monday April 7, 2025, until the hour of service at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Cody Baker, Trevor Mitchell, Tyler Moore, Dennis Martin, Brad Dotson and Garry Mitchell. Honorary pallbearers will be Leo Purcell, Terry Feeback, Dave Braunig, John Ballengee, David Abney, Danny Correll, Jamie Mattox, Matthew Mattox, & Keith Wilcher
Memorials may take the form of contributions to Lusk-McFarland Funeral Home, 1120 Main St., Paris, KY 40361 to help the family with funeral cost.
The funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Lusk-McFarland Funeral Home Chapel, 1120 Main St., Paris, KY. The online guestbook is at www.Lusk-McFarland.com and a 24-hour funeral information line can be reached by calling 859-987-4387.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James "Jay", please visit our floral store. If you would like to make a donation in memory of James "Jay" Donald Mitchell, Jr., please visit the Tribute Fund.