November 2, 1933 to October 28, 2021
Born in Los Angeles, John spent 2 years in Mesa as a child when his father trained RAF pilots how to fly during WWII. A 1955 Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Denver, he attended Stanford University Medical School, interned at the Philadelphia General Hospital and did his residency and a fellowship at Stanford. Afterward he served as chair of the department of medicine for the VA in northern California, and in 1968 returned to Mesa, joining Casa Blanca Medical Clinic, where for many decades he served the Mesa community. He was a member of First Baptist Church, later attending Central Christian Church from 1990 until his death.
Avid hunter, hiker, snow and water skier, scuba diver, boater and world traveler, John loved nature and outdoor adventure. He was also a student of US history, careful reader of the daily newspaper, and a fan of many sports teams. John appreciated good wine, bad puns, gag gifts, and grilled meats, and had a song and a card for every occasion.
Predeceased by his brothers Jim and Jeff, parents Ted and Hannah, he leaves behind his beloved wife of 43 years, Anne Mitchell; five children of whom he was so proud, Jennie Zack (Richard), James, Scott (Marisa), Wendy Callaway (Doug), Amanda Weldon (Tyler); eight beautiful grandchildren Matson, Maisie, Elliott, Elsie, Mitchell, Kyle (Katie), Curtis, Derek; two precious great-grandchildren, Roxtin and Axel; nephews Johnny, Amos and Sam, nieces Janine and Esther; and Wendy and Bruce, Mark and Anne.
A memorial service will be held at the Central Christian Church in Mesa, Arizona on December 4, 2021 at 10:00 am.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AdvantageMelcherRoses.com for the MITCHELL family.
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