Jimmie Ronald Mitchell

Jimmie "J.R." Ronald Mitchell, 92, of Okeechobee, FL, formerly of Rocky Mount, MO passed away on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, in Okeechoebee, FL.

Jimmie was born on February 9, 1934, in Doniphan, MO the son of Enos and Nellie (Johnson) Mitchell who preceded him in death. He accepted Christ on August 22, 1948, at the age of 14; as an adult he served as a deacon and elder for the Southern Baptist Church for over 50 years. J.R. attended and graduated from Broseley High School in Broseley, MO where he enjoyed playing center for the basketball team. After graduation, he joined the US Navy and served from June 1954 to 1958, earning rank of EMFN USNR. He was united in marriage on September 10, 1955, in Broseley, MO to Margie Geraldine (McPherson) Mitchell who preceded him in death in 2005. He was then united in marriage to Sally Wait in Rocky Mount, MO on August 22, 2009, she preceded him in death in 2025. He lived and raised his family in Rocky Mount for 50 years, then moved to Florida in retirement.

J.R. was a devoted family man, loyal friend, and proud outdoorsman whose life was defined by hard work, quiet strength, and a deep love for the outdoors. Some of his favorite hobbies he enjoyed were hunting, fishing, gardening, and playing fast pitch softball when he was younger.

After a long and honorable career as a lineman and troubleman with Union Electric, he retired in February of 1997. Through storms, outages, and long nights, he answered the call without hesitation-restoring power, restoring comfort, and often doing so without recognition. He took pride in being the one others depended on, and he carried that same steady reliability into every part of his life.

When he wasn't working and after he retired, he could most often be found with a fishing rod in hand or spending quality time with his family. He loved wholeheartedly and led gently, always placing the needs of his wife and children before his own. As a father and grandfather, he was a steady presence - offering wisdom, encouragement, laughter, and unconditional love. His home was a place of warmth, prayer, and welcome to all who entered. He also had a deep love for his four daughters-in-law and grandchildren; always supporting them in any event they were involved in.

Jimmie's heart far outmatched his physical size. He never walked past a hungry or needy person without helping them. He was always humble, never wanting credit; he has helped buy a house for an elderly person, paid for burials and headstones, had people live in his home, provided many meals to others and fixed cars for people to mention just a few things. He was a gentle giant of a man, but was always ready to defend those who needed, especially his sisters.

Survivors include: four sons, Ronnie Mitchell (Anita), Mark Mitchell (Lola), Gary Mitchell (Joan) and Roger Mitchell (Tammy); one brother, Elbert Mitchell (Rosetta); two sisters, Juanita Shockley and Arleda Nettles (Cecil); eight grandchildren, Christina, Travis, James, Troy, Tiffany, Joshua, Liam and Liyah; several great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild and three step-children, Kathy Wait, Cindy Jo VanderVeen and Jerry Wait.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm at First Church of the Nazarene, 1024 E Lawson Ave, Eldon, MO. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 pm at the church with Pastor Michael Beene officiating. Burial and full military honors will be held at Union Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, Rocky Mount, MO

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Buckhead Ridge Baptist Church, 1731 Hunter Rd, Okeechobee, FL 34974.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Homes, 902 E North St, Eldon, MO 65026 (573) 392-3351. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.hedgesscottmillard.com.