John M. Mitchell

June 30, 1945 – April 9, 2021

Jack Mitchell was born in Detroit, Michigan to John Michael Mitchell of Cornwall, England and Janet Elizabeth McEwan of Glasgow, Scotland. His sister Janette preceded him in death, and his brother William was his lifelong friend. He is survived by his wife, Mary, brother, children, grandchildren, daughter- and son-in-law, nieces, nephews, godchildren, sisters- and brothers-in-law and many close friends.

His fondest childhood memories are playing sports with his Imperial Highway gang, attending Stuckey School, Pierson Junior High and Redford Union High School. Jack played varsity football and ran track. He enjoyed attending reunions with his graduating class of 1963 over the years. Jack always thought he wanted to be an undertaker, but in reality, after high school graduation he attended RETS Electronics Trade School, was drafted into the army, served in Vietnam and started working for General Motors upon honorable discharge. He worked in Material Handling at General Motors for his entire career, retiring in 2005 and enjoying his retirement after that.

Jack was married to Priscilla Fae Fuqua in 1966. Their marriage was blessed with two children, John Michael Mitchell III and Dawn Marie (Mitchell) Nowicki. Priscilla proceeded him in death in 1987. In 1989, Jack was married to Mary Elaine Hayes. During the years of their marriage, they were blessed with 8 grandchildren, Stephanie Ayoub, Philip Dickinson, Alex Nowicki, Samuel Nowicki, Joshua Stein, Samantha Mitchell, Zoe Mitchell and Chloe Nowicki. In 2020, Jack welcomed his first great-grandchild, Waverly Ayoub.

Jack’s favorite things included, spending time with all of his family members, listening to 50’s and 60’s music, drinking coffee with his friends, telling jokes, petting his grand dogs, sitting on the patio admiring his rose bushes, watching sports, going to U of M football games, and traveling with Mary to new locations, especially England, Scotland and Alaska.

Jack was a lifelong Christian. He was baptized as an infant in the Methodist Church and confirmed as a young teen. He settled as an adult at Lola Park Lutheran Church and served as Elder, Church Council President and Vice President, tenor in the choir and friend to everyone that attended there. He also served on the Board of Directors and Booster Club at Huron Valley Lutheran High School.

Once recently, he awoke from a dream. When asked what he would like his friends and family to know, he replied, “You don’t have to carry the world on your shoulders, God will carry it. Thank you everyone for a good life.”

Jack passed from death to life on April 9th where he awaits the Resurrection and reunion with his fellow saints. He will be buried at Glen Eden Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be given to Lola Park Lutheran Church 14750 Kinloch, Redford Township, MI 48239 (www.lolaparklutheran.com); Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund "The Wall That Heals" 1235 South Clark Street, Suite 910, Arlington, VA 22202 (www.vvmf.org/give-to-vvmf) Huron Valley Lutheran High School, 33740 Cowan Rd, Westland, MI 48185 (www.hvlhs.org); or the charity of your choice.

On Wednesday, April 14, 2021 family and friends may visit from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Harry J. Will Funeral Home - 37000 West Six Mile Road, Livonia 48152. Visitation continues on Thursday, April 15, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Lola Park Lutheran Church - 14750 Kinloch, Redford Township, MI 48239.

Please share a memory of Jack, or condolences with his family at his online guestbook below.