James "Mitch" Mitchell

Born on April 17, 1938, in Evanston, Illinois, Mitch lived a life marked by integrity, leadership, intellectual curiosity, generosity, and a devotion to his family. While attending the University of Illinois, he met the love of his life, Barbara "Bobbie." Their marriage spanned more than six decades and became the foundation for a life filled with love, adventure, laughter, and unwavering commitment to one another.

Mitch graduated from The University of Illinois. Mitch was an active member of Beta Theta Pi, and served as Vice President of the fraternity. He graduated on an NROTC scholarship with a degree in Mechanical Engineering before proudly serving in the United States Army Ordnance Corps. After completing officer training at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, he was stationed at Fort Wingate Army Depot near Gallup, New Mexico, where he served as an Ammunition Officer. He concluded his military service with the rank of First Lieutenant.

Following his military service, Mitch began his career with Corning Glass Works before joining Giles and Ransome. He then spent 17 years with AccuRay, starting as a salesman and eventually moved into a Vice President role. Those years were especially meaningful because they included a three-year assignment in Belgium. Mitch and Bobbie embraced the opportunity to live abroad, exposing their family to new cultures, traveling throughout Europe, and creating memories they treasured for the rest of their lives. Mitch later served as President and CEO of Quad Systems before moving back to Columbus where he enjoyed a successful consulting career helping smaller companies.

Outside of his business career, Mitch and Bobbie were active members of Worthington Hills Country Club, where Mitch spent 6 years on the Board of Directors, including one year as President. In retirement, The club remained one of his favorite places, where he continued enjoying weekly bridge games with cherished friends. Mitch also helped establish the Columbus chapter of 100 Men Who Give a Damn, bringing together men committed to making a meaningful impact through collective charitable giving. His heart for serving others was perhaps best illustrated through his work with Circle of Grandparents, where he mentored elementary school children. Following Hurricane Katrina, Mitch loaded his vehicle with donated school supplies and drove to Louisiana, where he adopted a classroom, providing encouragement and much-needed resources to students and their teacher as they rebuilt their lives

Of all the titles Mitch held throughout his life—Army officer, executive, entrepreneur, volunteer, teacher, mentor, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather—the one he treasured most was being Bobbie's husband. Together they built a home filled with love, learning, laughter, and unwavering support.

Mitch invested deeply in his family, believing education mattered, hard work was expected, respect was earned and given. He possessed an infectious sense of humor and a quick wit.

Mitch was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara "Bobbie" Mitchell; his parents, Leonard and Alma Mitchell; and his sister, Barbara Sigufusion.

He is lovingly survived by his children, James Robert Mitchell (Diane), William Eric Mitchell (Pamela "Mimi"), and Joan Mitchell Ross (Don); his grandchildren, Bradley Mitchell (Palak), Jessica Alfano (Chris), Madison Wilson (Evan), Naomi Alkhiamy (Aghiad), Lance Tuller (fiancée Jaee), Ryan Tuller (Jessica), and Judith Murray (Daniel); eight great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends.

Mitch taught through his example more than his words. He showed that a life built on integrity, humility, generosity, respect, hard work, curiosity, and love has the power to influence generations. Mitch's greatest legacy is not found in the positions he held or the accomplishments he achieved, but in the lives he influenced. His example will continue to guide his family and inspire generations to come.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2026 2:00 p.m. at Friendship Village of Dublin Muirfield Room, 6000 Riverside Drive Dublin, Ohio 43017 warmly invited to gather as we celebrate a life well lived.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Friendship Village Scholarship Fund in memory of James Dow "Mitch" Mitchell.

https://www.fvdublin.org/donate-now/