Major George J. Mitchell

Major George J. Mitchell died March 5, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family. He was 91 years old. He spent his final years loyally “protecting” his wife of 63 years and when she passed, just four months earlier on November 9, 2020, his work was done.

He spent his life serving his country and providing for and loving his family. He fought in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. His military service is best highlighted through the many honors he received for his valor.

He received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his extraordinary achievement, professional competence, and the aerial skill he exhibited on September 10, 1968 as an Aircraft Commander. On a mission in Dau Tieng, Republic of Vietnam, he risked life and limb to deliver critically needed ammunition to a small forward base. Despite having low fuel, flying through heavy rain and extensive thunderstorm activity, and finally learning on his approach that the airfield was under heavy mortar attack, he still elected to fulfill his duty and deliver his badly needed cargo.

He also received the Air Medal, First Oak Leaf Cluster by meritorious achievement while participating in sustained aerial flight as an Aircraft Commander over the continent of Europe and adjacent geographical areas (basically surveilling Russia while dodging Russian MiGs) through 1963 – 1967.

Beyond the countless other military medals and ribbons marking his many achievements, George’s legacy includes those that he helped train to follow in his footsteps. As an Aircraft Commander of C-130s and a trained Jet Pilot, he trained other pilots sharing with them his outstanding skill and expertise, so they too could serve our country just as well as he did.

After his years of military service, he went on to spend over two decades as a Supervising Industrial Waste Inspector for L.A. County. My father was a tough man, as you can imagine someone with his accomplishments would be. Upon his retirement from L.A. County, his team presented him with a pick and wrote on the pick “George, Off to ‘Pick’ on another crew. Thanks again. –Team #2”

George was a devoted husband and family man. He wrote my mother countless, beautifully written love letters while away serving our country. In old age he was often heard saying, “whatever your mother wants.” He just wanted her to be happy. Upon learning of her unexpected death, he could not be consoled. This loss struck him at his core and his health quickly began to decline, dying just four months after her passing.

As a father he was not only our provider and protector, but our mentor on how to live our best lives by exhibiting strong values and teachings on being valuable contributing citizens to our great country. Yes, he was a tough and serious man. But the lessons I learned from him were the most important in my life and have made me the person I am today.

He was always there for each and every one of us in our times of need. Whether it be to offer financial support or just to listen and offer advice, he was there. In this I learned compassion and generosity. Even in his weakest moments near his death, he continually expressed concern for me and my wellbeing. I thought to myself this man is literally laying here dying and his biggest concern was for my health. What a beautiful man.

My father gave me my work ethic. I can still hear him saying, “Work first, then play.” He taught me to always question and think for myself. “Follow the money” was a lesson for determining people’s motives. “Watch out for the Madison Avenue folks” was a lesson not to be taken in by slick marketing egging you on to spend your hard-earned money on things you really don’t need.

Lastly, I learned true love and loyalty by witnessing his never-ending devotion to his wife, mother, father, sister, brother, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

George was also preceded in death by his parents, Matthew and Louise Mitchell, his brother Chester, nephew Forrest and brother-in-law, Carl Kniza. He is survived by his sister Lois Kniza, children Pamela Anderson, Thomas Mitchell and Cynthia LaBelle and his seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren.