James W. Mitchell, 90, of Clearfield went home to be with the Lord on Monday, April 28, 2014 at the Ridgeview Elder Care, of Curwensville.
He was born Feb., 1, 1924 in Burnside, the son of Charles G. and Nancy (Smith) Mitchell.
Mr. Mitchell graduated from Cherry Tree High School. He received his Bachelor’s degree in agronomy and his Master’s degree in physical sciences from Pennsylvania State University and Indiana University of Pennsylvania, respectively.
He taught chemistry and physics at Purchase Line. He retired as head of the science department from the Clearfield Area School District in 1984 and was a Professor at DuBois Penn State.
He was a veteran in the U.S. Army and served during World War II in the European Theater.
Mr. Mitchell farmed all his life. He raised potatoes, beef cattle and sold fertilizer and feed.
He was a member of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church of Curwensville. He served as an elder, taught Sunday school and participated in the orchestra and choir.
Mr. Mitchell volunteered for the AARP Tax Program. He was a member of the Clearfield Community Band, Grampian Band, Harmony Grange, NEA and PSEAR.
He drove school bus, liked hunting and doing cross word puzzles and helped raise his grandchildren.
Mr. Mitchell is survived by four children Dr. Carol G. Elkins of Clearfield, Celia Mitchell and her husband, Eric Olson of Coudersport, Muriel A. Chaiyasena and her husband, Tony of State College and Kevin C. Mitchell and his wife, Ruth of Bells Landing; four grandchildren, Patrick and Emily Elkins and Kate and Emily Mitchell; two sisters, Winona “Nonie” McCracken of Clearfield and Dorothy Pearce and her husband, Arthur of Litchfield Park, AZ; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Betty L. (Lytel) Mitchell, whom he married on April 20, 1957 and whom died Sept. 13, 2007; two brothers, Edward and George Mitchell; and two sisters, Louella Mitchell and Frances Buchanan.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, 725 Susquehanna Ave., Curwensville, with the Rev. Stephen D. Shields officiating. Military honors will be accorded at the church by the DuBois Honor Guard.
Friends will be received from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Thursday at Bennett & Houser Funeral Home Inc. of Clearfield and from 10 a.m. until the hour of the services Friday at the church.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Christian and Missionary Alliance Church of Curwensville, 725 Susquehanna Ave., Curwensville, PA 16833.
To send online tributes, go to www.bennettandhouser.com or www.mem.com.
