James Luis Mitja, 68, of Columbus, GA passed away peacefully at Columbus Hospice July 21, 2020. He was born December 8, 1951 to Jose N. and Rose B. Mitja. He had three brothers, Eddie, Joel, and Jason Mitja, and one sister, Joy Harrell. He attended Columbus High School. James married Carolyn Ruth Anding December 29, 1977, who bore him two children, Brad and Jenny. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Eddie. James is survived by his wife, Carolyn; his children, Brad Mitja (Leslie) and Jenny Mitja (Paul); brothers, Joel and Jason; sister, Joy; grandchildren, Marisa, Kallen, and Griffin; and a host of nieces and nephews.
James was that rare combination of someone who both had a love of life and a firm understanding of what was important: the simplicity of living life with those one loves. Of all the people he touched, both willing and unwilling, his proudest achievements in life were his kids and grandkids, who lovingly supported him during his later years. James had several loves in his life: antique cars, World War II-era fighter aircraft. He was a drummer in a Beatles cover band in his youth (Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club), playing many times at the Officer’s Club at Fort Benning, among other local venues, and was a passionate lover of classic rock music. He was a die-hard Florida State Seminoles fan during the Bobby Bowden era.
All who knew him spoke of his big, booming voice, rosy cheeks, and larger than life personality. James had a way of making every room he entered as bright as the sky in his beautiful, blue eyes. He could (and did) make friends everywhere. He was a jack-of all-trades, who learned home construction, repair, maintenance, and painting from his grandfather. He split his life between his native Georgia, Florida, and even Las Vegas, Nevada. He was always the “cool dad” that made his children’s friends feel welcome. He had room in his heart for everyone and was always up for a good time – especially if good food and good music were involved.
“No buildings named after me; no monuments erected in my honor. But I did have the chance to know and love each and every friend, as well as my family. How much more blessed can a person be? I’ll leave you with this…please don’t cry because I’m gone. Instead be happy I was here.”
