John "Mitchell" Burns

Distinguished academic, world traveler, passionate debater, genius comedian and selfless friend - John “Mitchell” Burns was larger than life. Mitchell was born to John and Melanie Burns on May 10, 1996 in Oklahoma City and passed away June 23, 2023 in Berlin, Germany. Mitchell was an inspiring force and authentic character, touching the lives of countless people on his quest to make this world a better place.

Mitchell lived fearlessly and beat to his own drum from an early age, and brought a hilarious and entertaining energy to our home as “the baby” of our family. From the time he could talk, he was insistent in exploring every aspect of himself and trying new things, which resulted in a colorful childhood where Mitchell always found himself the center of attention. From his stint as a "child star” (Melanie was the original Mom-ager) starring in "The Hunt" movie, to watching his jaw dropping performance as a National Speech and Debate Champion – Mitchell was the gift that kept on giving for his family, and the light of our lives. Mitchell always excelled academically, graduating from Bishop McGuiness High School as an AP Scholar. He received his Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and Economics from Boston College, and later a Masters in International Affairs from the Hertie School of Governance in Berlin, which he completed in 2022.

Mitchell moved to Berlin in 2018 with a thirst for knowledge that could not be satisfied solely through academia, and remained highly disciplined in educating himself outside of the classroom. Mitchell was zealous in his study of the German language and achieved fluency; the proudest personal accomplishment of his lifetime. He also spoke Spanish, Russian and Arabic, which demonstrated his passion for understanding people of all cultural backgrounds. Mitchell worked as a researcher for the Dahrendorf Forum, a major research and policy engagement initiative that brought together academics and practitioners to debate and critically reflect upon Europe’s future, aiming to address questions about the future of the EU and its role in the world.

While simultaneously completing his Masters degree, Mitchell’s profound work ethic continued as he worked full-time for Media in Cooperation and Transition (MiCT), a non-profit media development organization that launched projects focusing on the interplay between conflict and media coverage in the Middle East, Northern Africa and other crisis regions. Through his work at MiCT, Mitchell accelerated the transformation of international development and media systems – and lived within cultures and structures entangled in colonial history and economic models that perpetuate discrimination and inequality. Mitchell’s portfolio includes projects focused on Citizen Journalism, Public Communication, and Gender Balancing in the media field.

As Mitchell established Berlin as his “new home”, he became deeply rooted in an active intellectual life there. He formed beautiful friendships through reading groups, political societies, and activism projects. Berlin was a backdrop for Mitchell to open his mind and explore his diverse interests in European politics, world history, cultural movements, and music. Mitchell’s “ideal day” in Berlin would be to spend the morning reading in the park, the afternoon in his favorite café debating politics, and then dancing the night away to new DJ's with his fellow Berliners, a cast of carefully curated characters that celebrated all the diverse and authentic aspects of the legendary Mitchell Burns. He was extremely radiant and became a rather well known character throughout many neighborhoods of Berlin. Mitchell's family was so proud to see our "little Bubby" become a global citizen, change the world, and live the life he always dreamed of.

Above all, Mitchell had an innate sense of justice and responsibility to all human beings, and it was his life’s mission to battle the world’s iniquities and fight for those who couldn’t fight for themselves. Mitchell had the kindest heart, and lived a life of devotion that was led by his beautiful soul. While working on extended projects and living in Iraq and Lebanon, Mitchell sacrificed comfort and safety, so that he could actively enforce and see the change he believed the world needed. Mitchell was a “boots on the ground” type of guy. Mitchell was a fighter; both for himself and for all human beings. Mitchell demanded that others live up to their principles, and that when you encounter oppression in the world you cannot tolerate, you live by example and fight for those who can’t fight for themselves.

Mitchell is preceded in death by his grandfather Wesson P. Scoggin Jr and his best friend and grandmother, Barbara June Scoggin. He is survived by his parents John and Melanie Burns; his brother Jake Burns and wife Ashton Burns; his sister Murphy Burns and fiancé Hunter Hein; grandparents John and Katie Burns; Uncles Steve Scoggin and Jack Burns; Aunts Nancy Scoggin and Nicole Burns; cousins Blake Burns, Katie Burns, Ben Scoggin, Matt Scoggin, Lexi Scoggin, Selik Scoggin, Sedona Scoggin and Jett Scoggin; nephew River Brooks Burns; and an extended family of relations and friends from every walk of life.

A Celebration of Life Service is scheduled for 11:00 am on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at Mayflower Congregational Church, 3901 NW 63rd St, Oklahoma City, OK 73116. In lieu of flowers, Mitchell would want you to express your love to those you value and keep on dancing.

https://vimeo.com/mayflowerucc