Staunton Star - Times - Published in the Interest of the Staunton Community for Over 143 Years

James Edward Mitchell, 76, of Earlville, Ill., died on March 16, 2023. James was born on May 24, 1946, in Litchfield, to James and Velma (Carter) Mitchell.

He graduated from Gillespie High School in 1964. He enlisted in the Army right out of high school. He went in to be a parachutist and then went on to become a welder. After he left the service, he owned and worked at a Shell gas station for several years then went to work at Chicago Northwestern Rail Service, which became Union Pacific, as an engineer. He would go on and retire from there in 2006. James was a member of the Mendota Elks Club and the Earlville Country Club. He was an avid fisherman and golfer. He also enjoyed playing cards, riding motorcycles and loved his dogs, Penny and Faith, and watching birds. James also had a passion for shooting, hunting and guns.

James is survived by his wife, Nancy Mitchell; four children, Kerrie (Matt Marschke) Mitchell of Edwardsville, Craig (Kerri) Mitchell of Mt. Olive, Kevin (Corina Arentson) Mitchell of Staunton and Daniel (Martha) Martin of Plano; eight grandchildren, Connor, Olivia, Logan, Ian, Katelyn, Cole, Joshua and Abigail; as well as one sister, Marilyn Easton of Mt. Carmel. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Condolences may be left online at http://www.beveragefamilyfh.com. Beverage Family Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.