James Willie Mitchell

James Willie Mitchell, age 84, of Belton, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 4, 2025, at Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital. He was born on October 24, 1940, in Belton, South Carolina, the sixth child of the late John Robert and Willie Mae Bozeman Mitchell. James was a proud graduate of Spearman High School in Piedmont, SC. He went on to attend the Police Academy in Orangeburg, SC, becoming one of the first three African Americans to serve on the Belton Police Department. Later, he earned his septic tank license and founded Mitchell's Septic Tank Business, which became a well-known name in the community. Family was at the center of James's life. He was blessed with two daughters, Sharon and Cynthia, who were his pride and joy. A passionate farmer, James loved tending to his land and riding his tractor. He found great joy in teaching his great-grandchildren how to garden and operate the tractor. Known for his skills in the kitchen, he was a talented cook and enjoyed making his own wine. Another favorite pastime was collecting toy replicas of 18-wheelers. He was a member at New Hope Baptist Church. He was a proud member of Washington lodge 340 PHA. James is survived by his special friend, Vetta Summers; his two daughters, Sharon Cannon (Bobby) and Cynthia Moorehead; nine grandchildren: Javon Johnson (Schmeka), Chris Gossett, Antranishia Norman (Donald), Jerome Moorehead, Chevay'e Cannon (April), Shantuesday Cooley (Nicholas), Jameika Cannon, and god-grandchildren Jarvis Ballentine and Christina Pitts; and eleven great-grandchildren: Braylen Crosby, Taraji Crosby, Tobias Cooley, Cairo Cooley, Nova Cooley, Chanaysia Cannon, Jeramiah Cannon, Kylie Cannon, Janilah Cannon, Izaan Burton, and Xavier Norman. His favorite niece Vanetta Mitchell. He is also survived by one brother, John Mitchell of Greenville, SC, and one sister, Ether Mae Bullock of Chicago, IL, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by three sisters, Verena Bell Mitchell Donley, Roonie Mae Miller, and Joyce Robinson of Chicago, IL; and three brothers, Samuel Lee Mitchell, Jerry Mitchell, and Joe Nelson Mitchell of Belton, SC. James will be remembered for his dedication to family, his trailblazing service to his community, and his many talents and passions that brought joy to those around him. . Funeral service will be held Saturday August 16, 2025 at 1:00 P.M. New Hope Baptist Church. Public viewing will be Friday from 12:00-7:00 P.M. with Masonic Final Rites, starting at 6:00 P.M. at the funeral home. The family is at 421 Big Creek Road Belton S.C.