Obituary of James LeRoy Mitchell

James Leroy Mitchell was born an only child on June 13, 1940 in Joplin, Missouri to parents who have since passed, Carlene Page Mitchell and Leroy Mitchell. He was also known as Jim to friends, Jimmy Lee by his loving mother, and as “Mitch” by co-workers. Jim was called home on May 22nd, 2020 at 1:51 am at the Emerald Care Hospice Center in Claremore, Oklahoma. Jim was a loving husband and is survived by loving wife Anita Paralee Payne Mitchell of 59 years. They had planned to celebrate their 60th Anniversary on May 28, 2020. Jim was also a wonderful father to his three surviving children Marilyn Bean of Clarksville, Tennessee, James David Mitchell of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Bridgette Baker of Owasso, Oklahoma. Jim also had three grandchildren who he loved dearly, granddaughter Lindsey Woodard deceased, grandson Caleb Wood and granddaughter Savannah Wood. After graduating high school in Baxter Springs, Kansas in 1959, Jim attended Pittsburgh State University in Pittsburgh, Kansas. He decided that he wanted to pursue a career and marry his high school sweetheart in May of 1960. Jim and Paralee began a family and had two children, Marilyn and David in 1961 and 1962. Jim began a career at Rockwell International as a tool engineer and the family resided in Tulsa. Jim and Paralee welcomed a third child, Bridgette in 1968. The family resided in Tulsa and then built a new home in Verdigris, Oklahoma Jim decided to take a job at TRW in Rogers, Arkansas in 1976 and the family moved to begin a new journey. The family lived in Rogers while the children attended school. Jim was always a favorite dad of the childrens’ friends and they admired him very much. There were many friends that Jim made while in Rogers, but his true desire was always to return to Rockwell. He had put aside this desire in order for all of his children to graduate in Rogers, Arkansas. So in 1986 Rockwell, now known as Boeing, called Jim back to finish his remaining career, where he was employed until he retired in 1999. Jim made many lasting lifelong friends while at Rockwell and was valued as one of the top Senior tool designers. After retirement, Jim spent a lot of time in his wood shop where he was a craftsman in his shop and through the years he made many beautiful wood pieces for family and several friends. We will always cherish the work he put into each piece and have them as a reminder of his love he put into each perfect piece he created. One of his final pieces of woodwork is a beautiful urn he created in which to place his own ashes. Another love Jim had was classic cars. He was an officer and member of the Tulsa Wheels for many years. He restored a 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air through the years and it was his pride and joy, he named the car Black Thunder. Jim and Paralee enjoyed attending many car shows throughout the following years and enjoyed the members who became their lifelong friends. Jim and Paralee enjoyed a long and happy life of almost 60 years together. They were in all of our minds, the perfect couple. They shared a lot of laughs, created a vast amount of wonderful friendships and are the true meaning of love and devotion to one another. They set a great example to others including their children, of what a great marriage should be. They were always joking with one another and their laughter was contagious and comforting. He was Paralee’s best friend, confidant and love her entire life and so the new journey for her now begins. They had talked of final plans recently, and she carried out his wishes as any loving wife would do, although being the most difficult task she has ever had to accomplish. She finds peace in knowing that he is at rest now. Jim was also a very loving father who his three children agree was a great role model who taught several valuable life lessons. Jim taught a stellar work ethic to all of his children, and was a fair, loving and very supportive father. He was tough as nails like his role model John Wayne, but had a huge heart and was a loving man. He was always there for his children, no matter what, and his hugs and sweet smile always provided comfort. All three of his children have so many different and loving memories with Jim, and he will be missed dearly. In this difficult time, the family has had such an enormous outreach from friends, family, and co-workers that have shared so many great memories of how Jim touched all of our lives. This has been incredibly comforting to know we were all so very blessed to have known him and very fortunate to have him as a huge part of our lives here on earth. We thank you for your kind words, condolences, and memories that you have shared with us and the outpour of love has been amazing. We will eternally be proud of our dad and not a day will go by that we aren’t reminded of how blessed we are to have had him in our lives. We are thankful that he is resting peacefully now, but will miss his sweet loving smile, jokes, his jolly chuckles, the “jimisms” and his incredibly comforting words and most of all his amazing bear hugs. We have all been honored to know and love you. Until we meet again in heaven Dad, rest in peace. At Jim’s request, no services will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcomed to the American Heart Association. NO VISITATION