James Cameron Mitchell

James Cameron Mitchell

Also known as Jim, Jimmy, Dad, Hon, (and many other nicknames) he was a loving and devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle and dear friend to countless people throughout his life. Jim passed away peacefully on February 12, 2026, at the age of 68, surrounded by family.

Born on April 2, 1957, to Emma (Funk) Mitchell and James Ingram Mitchell, he grew up in various states, including New Jersey, Illinois and finally settling in Lancaster, PA. He always spoke of the fun he had growing up in a neighborhood filled with other kids his age, riding bikes, playing sports and coming home when it got dark and not a minute before.

Jim was a hard worker; he purchased a small apartment building in Lancaster at the age of 20, fixing up each of the four apartments and renting them out, all while working full time at Armstrong World Industries and going to college full time at Millersville University.

He met his wife Wendy on a blind date in 1982 and they married in 1984, and he pursued a career with Nationwide Insurance upon college graduation and in 1988 and 1989 welcomed their two children, Meredith and James.

Jim devoted countless hours as assistant troop leader to James' Boy Scout troop and never missed a ballet performance of Meredith's. He loved camping, following his favorite sports teams (Phillies, Eagles, Packers, 76ers, Flyers and Villanova Basketball), traveling with Wendy, visiting his children and family, furniture restoration and time with friends.

Jim and his family moved to Sonoma, CA in 2005 and was happiest wandering the plaza, local thrift shops and yard sales - he loved a good bargain.

Jim is survived by his wife of 42 years, Wendy; daughter Meredith Emma Mitchell Zimmerman (Mike); son James C. Mitchell Jr.; sisters Pam Miller (Marvin), Sheila Violand (George), and Sandy Bobal (Nehl); various nieces, nephews, granddogs, grandcats, and too many friends to count.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Emma (Funk) Mitchell and his father, James Ingram Mitchell

A celebration of Jim's life will be held in Sonoma (details to be provided soon) and at a later date, Lancaster, PA for our East Coast family and friends. Please check back here for future details.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Jim's name to a local charity in your community.

The family extends sincere gratitude to each and every person that provided heartfelt care - including all the doctors, nurses, aides and therapists that were there for him every day over the past four and a half months.

We love you, Jim, and you will be with us always - until we meet again.