Gerald Henry Mitchem

Gerald Henry Mitchem was born July 14, 1935, in Los Angeles, CA, to Alfred and Thelma Mitchem. He loved riding his horse in the hills above the city and raising championship sheep through 4-H. He graduated from Orange High and then went on to earn a business degree from the University of Arizona. It was after college at his first job at a bank in Tucson where he met the love of his life, Ruth Peck. They married in 1961 and enjoyed 61 years of marriage. Together they moved to Phoenix, and Jerry became interested in the real estate business. He eventually became part owner with his brother-in-law, Bill Peck, in their own company, where they built award-winning custom homes. After this, Jerry returned to his old love, horses, and together with his oldest son, Phil, owned Mitchem Arabians. They trained, showed, and bred Arabian horses with much success over the next few years. Jerry and Ruth then retired to Tucson to be near Ruth’s large family. Jerry is survived by his wife, Ruth; sons, Phil and Steve; daughter, Elaine; as well as grandchildren, Blake, Torri, Braden, and Shiloh and great-grandchildren, Carson, Phoebe, and Micah Hills.

A funeral service for Gerald will be held Sunday, October 16, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Funeraria del Angel South Lawn, 5401 South Park Ave, Tucson, AZ 85706, followed by a reception from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.funerariadelangelSL.com for the MITCHEM family.