James W. Mitchell

James W. Mitchell, Jr. age 75, of Eaton, Ohio, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. Born on May 26, 1949, in Richmond, Indiana he was the son of the late James W. & Marian (Morrow) Mitchell.

He started a lawn mower repair business before he could drive. Jim graduated in 1967 from Eaton High School, attended The Ohio State University and served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War receiving the Combat Infantry Badge.

He returned home to become a lifelong Preble County farmer on the third generation family farm raising corn, soybeans, and hogs farrow to finish. He was a progressive farmer, always researching and trying new ideas in plots. He believed in keeping up with technology on the farm to maximize productivity. He could figure problems out or fix anything. He was an avid gardener and loved planting and harvesting fruits and vegetables. He shared a love of landscaping with his wife, Shirley.

Jim was an active member of the Fairhaven Community Church. He served as church Treasurer, Elder, Sunday School Teacher, choir member, and sang in the Homeward Bound Quartet. He helped organize the annual Church Retreat and hosted (together with his wife) a Fourth of July party for the church for many years. He loved all kinds of music, attending many concerts, and traveling to the Smoky Mountains. He served as chairman of the Preble County Pork Festival Country Store for 29 years, board member of Landmark and The Preble Soil and Water Conservation, member of Young Farmers, and Bible Study Fellowship. He became a believer of Jesus Christ in high school and his life was transformed at an Emmaus Walk in 1995.

Survivors: Wife of 52 years: Shirley (West) Mitchell; Children: Laura & Doug Atkins of Waynesville, Ohio; Mark Mitchell of Eaton, Ohio; Doug Mitchell of Dublin, Ohio; 4 Grandchildren: Booker, Carter, Decker and Autumn Atkins; Brothers: Dr. Richard & Cindy Mitchell of Eaton, OH; and John T. & Joanna Mitchell of London, OH.

Family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at Fairhaven Community Church 6585 Israel Somers Road Camden, Ohio 45311 and one hour prior to the service. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at the church with Pastor Ralph Gutowski officiating. Interment will be in Mound Hill Cemetery in Eaton, OH with full military honors.

Memorial contributions may be made to Fairhaven Community Church 6585 Israel Somers Road Camden, Ohio 45311. Arrangements entrusted to Barnes Funeral Home Eaton, Ohio. Condolences at www.barnesfuneralhome.com.