Joseph Edward Mitchell

Joe was larger than life, a gregarious father who loved his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Jean, whom he adoringly called “Brain” because of her uncanny ability to solve problems and fix things. Their relationship started off differently than most, as Joe stood up Jean on their very first date. Luckily, Jean gave Joe another chance when he took her out the next day, picking her up on his motorcycle. They went on to be happily married for forty-three years.

Joe will also be missed by his three children, Dan, Emmy (Dan Lamb), and Will (Mary Mitchell), and his four grandchildren, Josephine Jean Lamb, Pippa Kate Lamb, Bo Ryan Mitchell, and Kit Annabelle Mitchell, and his sisters, Gigi Mitchell and Nina Mitchell.

Joe, a proud Spartan, graduated from Michigan State University, eventually getting a law degree from the University of Detroit Law School and an MBA from Wayne State University. He then began his career as a corporate attorney at the Hiram Walker Distillery in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Years later, Joe moved his family to San Antonio, Texas when he was offered a position at DPT Laboratories, where he worked as corporate counsel.

Along the way, Joe developed an interest in cooking, wine collecting, and traveling. He was famous for searing white fish or filet mignon on the grill and serving the dish with a bottle of Puligny-Montrachet or Chateau Latour Bordeaux from his wine cellar.

After retiring, Joe seemed to be in perpetual travel mode, either planning a trip, going on a trip, or returning from one, and was always sure to invite those dearest to him to tag along. Joe and Jean took pride in taking their children on summer adventures in foreign countries, especially France and Italy. However, Joe’s favorite location was a cabin on the shores of Lake Michigan where he would enjoy great food, great views, and great friends.

A gathering for friends and family will take place at Porter Loring Mortuary, 1101 McCullough Avenue, on Tuesday, April 29 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. Eulogies and remembrances will begin at 4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society or raising a glass in Joe’s honor—perhaps something French or Italian—and toasting to a great life.