James Melvin Mitchell Jr.

May 11, 1949 – May 17, 2015

Jim Mitchell of Vestavia Hills, Alabama passed away peacefully Sunday evening at Optum Hospice Suites. He was surrounded by his wife Karen, his son Pete, his daughter Ginny Bensinger and Rob Bensinger. He lost his battle with aggressive squamous cell cancer of the head and neck. Additional survivors are a sister, Nancy Mitchell Simmons and niece Suzannah Simmons of Kingsport, TN. Brother in law Fred Carden of Knoxville, TN and nephews Samuel and William Carden. His great joy was his grandchildren – Anna and Jay Bensinger. Jim was preceded in death by his father and mother, James M (Pete) Mitchell and Olena Mitchell.

Jim was born in Amory, MS. The family moved to Kingsport, TN where he grew up. He was a graduate of Dobyns-Bennett High School.

Jim was a graduate of the University of Tennessee where he met his wife Karen. They both came to Birmingham in 1976 to work for South Central Bell. Jim retired from BellSouth and enjoyed a second shorter career with Regions.

Jim was an avid sports fan and coached Pete’s youth baseball, basketball, Ginny’s girls softball and basketball. He loved his family, his friends and his Lord. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to Impact Family Counseling where he was a committed member of the board or the American Cancer Society. Visitation from 6 to 8 May 19 at Ridouts Southern Heritage in Pelham. Funeral service will be at Shades Mountain Baptist Church at noon on Wednesday May 20 with visitation from 11-12 prior to the service.