James Mitchell

Dad, Mitch, Grandaddy, Brother, Uncle, Friend — whatever name you knew him by, you knew you had a gem in your life.

A celebration of his life will be held 4:00 PM Tuesday, July 29, 2025 in the chapel of McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory, 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907 with Rev. Tim Horne officiating. Visitation will follow the service at the funeral home.

He passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 12, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and incredible handmade knives. James had a joke for every occasion (sometimes inappropriate, always well-delivered), a story for every moment, and a deep appreciation for the small, beautiful things that most of us would miss — a rusty hinge, a knot on a tree limb, or the perfect light falling across the water. He had a true artist's eye and a craftsman’s hands.

James loved many things: his family, fishing, creating anything that came in to his mind, photography, America, and in his later years — thanks to Joyce May’s influence — even cats. He was a teacher at heart and never missed a chance to share his knowledge, whether about knife-making, nature, or life itself. If you spent ten minutes with him you probably walked away with an art lesson, a slightly embellished story, and at least one new opinion.

James was born March 19, 1937 in Memphis, TN, but his family moved to Lineville, AL where he spent most of his childhood. He loved going back to visit the Lineville area with his brother later in life. In his early teens the family relocated to Columbus where he proudly graduated from Jordan Vocational High School before heading off to Berry College, and then the army. After a tour of duty in Germany, he came back to the area to attend Auburn University, graduating with a degree in Commercial Art. After finishing his degree, he began working at the Piggly Wiggly Corporation in Jackson TN , but came back to Columbus to work at Vista Craft. He eventually opened his own sign shop, Mitchell Graphics, which had been his lifelong dream.

He is survived by his three children: Mark (wife Kristine), Tana (husband Kevin McHale), and Genny (husband Sandy Basch); his brother Ralph (wife Jessie); his beloved grandchildren: Steven, Devon (wife Christina), and Sarah; and one very special great-grandson, Noah Almon, who shares James’ middle name. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, friends and kindred spirits. He is preceded in death by his baby brother Larry, his parents W.D. Mitchell and Vera Hitt Mitchell, and his dearest friend Joyce.

Alzheimer’s is a cruel thief. It stole stories, laughter, and memories — but it never truly dimmed the light James brought into the world. In his memory, the family asks that in lieu of flowers consider making a donation to an Alzheimer’s research organization of your choice.

His family and friends will miss the stories, the mischief in his smile, the lessons, but most of all, the heart. The world was brighter with James in it.

A special heartfelt thanks from the family to the loving, attentive staff at Magnolia Manor’s Memory Lane in Buena Vista, Georgia. Their patient care for James was a blessing to his children. He wasn’t always easy to care for, but they handled him with patience and grace until the end. And a special thanks to Georgia Hospice for their attention and help during the last weeks of James’s life.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to https://donorservices.alz.org or https://alzfdn.org