James Clifford "Jim" Mitzel

February 20, 1941 – November 10, 2025
James "Jim" Clifford Mitzel, 84, of Pingree Grove, passed peacefully into the arms of his Lord on November 10, 2025, after a long and hard-fought battle with cancer.

Jim was born on February 20, 1941, to Clifford and Florance (Ott) Mitzel in Lancaster, New York. He graduated from Lancaster High School where he was on the bowling and swim team. He was married to Patricia Piazza from September 5, 1964 until her passing on October 14, 2012. On December 13, 2014 at 11:00 (11 - 12.13.14) Jim married Elizabeth (Beth) Binger in Tucson, Arizona. Together, Jim and Beth shared many wonderful memories, including trips to Arizona, a once-in-a-lifetime cruise in 2024, and their shared love of live theater and Christian concerts.

A typesetter by trade, Jim began his career of many years at the Buffalo Courier - Express, the morning newspaper in Buffalo, New York, which ceased publications on September 19, 1982. He also worked at O-AT-KA Milk Products in Batavia, New York, before retiring from the Chicago Tribune. Jim also served as a volunteer firefighter at Station 1 in Lancaster, New York. Following retirement in 1984, he continued to stay active, working at Lowe's until the age of 79, retiring once more at the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak. He enjoyed bowling, playing cards and trains in his spare time.

Jim loved cheering for his beloved Buffalo Bills and was thrilled to attend two games against Beth's Green Bay Packers-one at Lambeau Field and the other at Highmark Stadium.

Throughout his life, Jim faced many health challenges with incredible strength and an unwavering positive outlook. He was always smiling, had a wonderful sense of humor, and brought joy to everyone who knew him. He was a man with incredible strengths and was always there for his family and friends with his compassion, encouragement, support, moments of teaching and love. He would put others before himself and above all, loved being a grandpa.

Jim is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Elizabeth (Beth) Binger; daughter Laura (Steve) Zephries; and grandson Tony Zephries. He is also survived by his sister, Marjorie Rogacki, his brother, Marvin (Christel) and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Patricia Piazza, his parents, daughter Cindy, and grandson Joseph Zephries.

Family and friends are invited to gather on November 14, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at DeFiore Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee-Huntley Road, Huntley, IL. Celebration of Life will be held on November 15, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home with burial to follow at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Dean Street, Huntley, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to VetsRoll.org, 1777 Gardner Street, South Beloit, IL 61080, or the D300 Food Pantry, P.O. Box 879, Carpentersville, IL 60110.

Jim will be remembered for his warmth, humor, resilience, and deep love for his family and friends. He will be dearly missed by all who were blessed to know him. His passing will leave a void in the family's heart and they will always remember how he fought the odds of survival. They are amazed and proud of the fighter he was.