John Raymond Mitchell

Raised in Huntington Beach, California, John graduated from Huntington Beach High School in 1972. He went on to earn his Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences from the University of California, Irvine, in 1977.

Two years later John was commissioned into the United States Air Force where he earned the rank of Captain and completed ten years of service. He completed his UPT ( Undergraduate Pilot Training) Feb 1980 at Reese AFB, Lubbock TX. During his military career John was based at Kadena AFB in Okinawa, Japan flying the F-15; John was a flight instructor for the T38, at Vance AFB in Enid, Oklahoma; his final tour on the F-15 was at Langley AFB in Hampton, Virginia. He was honorably discharged in 1989. While in the Air Force John earned his Master of Education from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in 1987.

After leaving the Air Force, John joined American Airlines as a commercial pilot where he flew various domestic and international routes during his 27-year career. His service included Flight Engineer (B727) and (DC-10), First Officer (B727, B767, B777) Captain (MD-80) and finally Captain on the B737 when he retired from American Airlines in June of 2016. While working for the airline, John’s keen interest in health and the human body led him to study Chiropractic medicine. He earned his Doctor of Chiropractic and a Bachelor of Science in Anatomy from Parker Chiropractic College in Dallas, Texas in 1996. He retired from private practice in 2017.

Throughout his life, John had a thirst for knowledge and adventure. He loved surfing and was known to ride the waves in his hometown of Huntington Beach. His passion for soccer, as a player and a fan, led him to take on several volunteer positions for AYSO Soccer including coaching, refereeing, and board member. John enthusiastically researched human health and nutrition and loved sharing his findings with friends and patients.

John is survived by his wife, daughter, grandson, and sister. Married 23 years, John and his wife started their married life in Dallas, Texas, after meeting at American Airlines where they both worked. In 1999, they relocated to Huntington Beach. Together, they loved raising West Highland Terriers (Gus, Rosie, and Daisy), traveling, and entertaining friends. They recently enjoyed a loving trip to Italy.

A memorial service was held for John at Pacific View Memorial Park and Mortuary on Sunday, November 11, 2018.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to City of Hope, Hematology Department and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Orange County, Inland Empire.