James L Mitchell

James (Jim) Leo Mitchell passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at his home in Boerne, Texas, on the morning of Tuesday, February 3, 2026. Jim lived life to the fullest, something immediately clear to anyone who saw his smile or his collection of

Hawaiian shirts. An eternal optimist, he loved his family, music, camping, the outdoors, cheering on his favorite sports teams, and being a proud and loud Parrot Head.

Jim was born on November 12, 1951, in Fargo, North Dakota, to Helma Qualley Mitchell and Lowell James Mitchell. He was baptized on January 13, 1952, at West Prairie Lutheran Church in Kindred, North Dakota, and confirmed on April 30, 1967, at

Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fargo, reflecting a lifelong connection to his faith and community.

He graduated from Fargo South High School in May 1970 and continued his education at the University of North Dakota, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science in May 1974. He later completed his legal education at the University of North Dakota School of Law, graduating in May 1977. Jim practiced law in Minnesota and North Dakota for several years before moving south. In 1980, he came to Texas on a trip to Big Bend with a friend-a trip that quickly turned into a job opportunity with Texaco. He officially moved to Houston later that year. In September 1983, he met his future wife and love of his life, Kelly Beth Jones, during happy hour at a Houston club called Penrod's. Jim called Kelly for two weeks before

she agreed to go on a date, his persistence paid off. They were married in Houston on July 7, 1984, at Bethany Christian Church.

Jim and Kelly were blessed with two children, Kelsey Rae and Dakota James Mitchell. In 1992, the family moved to the San Antonio area, settling in Boerne in May 1993. They later built a home on two acres in Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas, in February 1996, where they raised their children and lived for the next 20 years. During that time, Jim built his beloved Tiki Bar-and later the legendary Bama Breeze. These spaces became the backdrop for countless unforgettable memories with friends and family,

which include water volleyball wars in the pool and watching UND hockey games and Packers football games outside in the cold to "feel like we were at the game!". In addition Jim and his family enjoyed annual camping trips every summer to various state and national parks. He instilled a love of family, travel, camping, and the great outdoors in his children and grandchildren.

In 2016, Jim and Kelly sold their home and moved further out of town building a smaller forever home on acreage high in the hills outside of Boerne where the party has continued at Rock Ridge.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Kelly, daughter Kelsey Golden and husband Brian, son Dakota Mitchell and wife Maggie. In addition, Grandpa Jim is survived by 5 grandchildren, Charlie Rose Mitchell, Wyatt Golden, Willow Mitchell, Bowen Golden, and Everett Mitchell.

Jim greatly loved spending time with his grandchildren, attending their sporting events and school ceremonies, and showing up-always-to support the people he loved. Grandpa Jim took great pride in their accomplishments and made sure they knew it. He thoroughly enjoyed taking the grandkids camping, hiking, playing in the hot tub (aka grandpa's pool), and giving them rides on his John Deere riding lawn mower. Grandpa Jim always brought the fun and was often a "bad influence" in the best of ways, always sneaking treats and the source of great belly laughs!

Jim retired from practicing law in 2017 and soon after began working part-time at Bending Branch and the Ursa Winery tasting room in Comfort, Texas, in 2019. He loved the friends he made there while serving wine and good times, and he worked there until his passing. His zest for life was evident to every patron and friend he encountered, and his presence will be deeply missed in the local wine community.

A celebration of Jim's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 9, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Boerne, Texas. A light lunch will be shared afterwards at the church. In Jim's honor, guests are encouraged to wear bright colors-he lived life out loud and was rarely seen without a Hawaiian shirt or sports team shirt and a smile to match.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made in Jim's name to either the American Heart Association or Wounded Warriors.

Sail on, Cap'n Jim.