The Obituary

of

James A. Mitchell, Sr.

Brother James Adolph Mitchell, Senior, was born June 22, 1941 in Lisbon, Louisiana.  He was the first-born child of General Scott Mitchell and Pinkie Bursey Mitchell.  On the evening of Monday, June 27 ^th , he transitioned after his journey with colon cancer at his home in Benton, Louisiana.

Brother Mitchell graduated from Pineview High School in Lisbon, Louisiana in 1959.  He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Arts Education from Grambling State University in 1964 and a Master's Degree in Education Administration from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 1985.  He had a distinguished career as an educator having taught in Claiborne Parish, Bossier Parish, Louisiana and in Union County, Arkansas.  He taught Industrial Arts for many years at Plain Dealing High School, Plain Dealing, Louisiana and then served as Assistant Principal in 1985 at Benton High School in Benton, Louisiana. He retired from Bossier Parish Schools in 1998 as the Director of Satellite Programs and Minority Affairs at Bossier Parish Community College.

Brother Mitchell was active in political and civic affairs during his residence in Bossier Parish.  He was elected to the Benton City Council in 1974 and served two terms ending in 1982.  When elected in 1974, he was the first-known African American elected to public office in Bossier Parish since Reconstruction.  He was amongst the first African Americans who registered to vote in the early 1960s in Claiborne Parish, Louisiana.  Brother Mitchell was also affiliated with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, The Concerned Citizens and Voter's League.

Brother Mitchell was a member of and attended Carolina Bluff Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Benton since 1973, where he served on the Steward Board and as a Trustee.

Brother Mitchell enjoyed fishing, sitting back and relaxing, catching up with friends, and later in life, spending time at his homeplace and family property in Claiborne Parish.

Brother Mitchell is survived by four children, Lieutenant Colonel (Retired, United States Air Force) James Mitchell, Junior (Lynne) of Woodbridge, Virginia, Donna Dixon (Dr. Tymwa) of Benton, Louisiana, Carol Mitchell of Benton, Louisiana, and Danielle White (Travis Kelly) of Collierville, Tennessee; two brothers, Joseph Mitchell (Linda) of Lisbon, Louisiana, and Herron Mitchell (Vernadine) of Bossier City, Louisiana; seven sisters, Pat Smith of Maryland Heights, Missouri, Zelma Cooper of Las Vegas, Nevada, Delois Jones of Wyoming, Michigan, Irene Farrar of Overland, Missouri, Mildred Smith of St. Louis, Missouri, and Thelma Mitchell of Humble, Texas; six grandchildren, Kyra Dixon, Nya Dixon and Zyan Dixon, all of Benton, Louisiana, Olivia Mitchell and Lauren Mitchell, both of Woodbridge, Virginia, and Travis Kelly II, of Collierville, Tennessee; special friend, Shelia Autry of Bossier City, Louisiana; and a host of cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Brother Mitchell was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Mitchell; parents, General Scott and Pinkie Bursey Mitchell; two sisters, Marze Miller and Geneva Smiley; and one brother, Felton Mitchell.