James Thompson Mitchell Sr.

Age 89, of Vestavia Hills, passed away at his home on Tuesday, January 22, 2019.

Faye Rice Mitchell, his wife of 61 years, passed away in 2013.

He is survived by: 4 children, Thom Mitchell of Mount Kisco, NY; John Mitchell of Orlando, Florida; Nan Green (Robert) of Dunwoody, Georgia; and Jane Emily Crosswhite (Mark) of Mountain Brook, Alabama; 6 grandchildren, Ashley Mitchell Cooper, John Mitchell, Jr., Emilie Mitchell, Kate Green, Will Crosswhite, and Jim Crosswhite; two great-grandchildren; and his brother, Jack Mitchell of Birmingham, Alabama.

Jim was a member of the Episcopal Church of the Ascension for over 50 years and served as Senior Warden, as Parish Architect, and as one of the Founders of the Church Pre-School, among many other roles in parish leadership.

He graduated from Woodlawn High School, where he excelled in archery; and Auburn University (Phi Kappa Phi Scarab, Auburn A Club, Spiked Shoe Society). He was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity (Balfour Award). He was a Rhodes Scholar Finalist.

After service at Fort Monmouth in New Jersey during the Korean War, Jim returned to Birmingham where he practiced architecture until his retirement in 2000. During most of his career he served as Vice President of Henry Sprott Long Associates, where he received numerous awards, including for the designs of Bromberg’s in Mountain Brook Village, Brookwood Forest Elementary School, Mountain Brook High School, and the Jefferson County Department of Health Headquarters. His work as a residential architect was well recognized. He was a mentor to many in his profession, and a source of amusement to all.

Memorial services will commence at 3 p.m, on Tuesday, the 29th of January, at The Episcopal Church of the Ascension located at 1912 Canyon Road in Vestavia Hills.

The family will receive friends at the church parish hall, forty-five minutes prior to the service.

Memorials honoring the life of James Thompson Mitchell may be directed to the Birmingham Humane Society located at 300 Snow Drive, Homewood, Alabama 35209.

Services are under the direction of Ridout’s Valley Chapel (205-879-3401) in Homewood.