James “Jim” Mitchell

James “Jim” Mitchell, 82, of Girard, died at 10:08 P.M., Thursday, October 9, 2008 surrounded by his friends and family.
He was born November 21, 1925 at Girard, a son of James Benjamin and Goldia Mae (Heskett) Mitchell.  He was raised in Girard and attended school there.  During his junior year of high school, his family moved to Frontenac, where he graduated high school.  After completing high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served aboard the U.S.S. Crux in the South Pacific during the Second World War.  He returned to Girard after his discharge and began employment with SEKAN Electric.  He worked as a lineman and was employed 39 years before he retired.  On January 25, 1948 he was united in marriage to Beatrice Vilda Crosetto at Girard.  She survives of the home. He was an active member of the First Christian Church in Girard.  He served as Elder Emeritus and was the treasurer of Abiding Memorials.  He was also a member of the Gold Band Sunday School Class at First Christian and served on the Property Committee and was a Trustee.  He was also a member of the George C. Brown Post No. 26, American Legion. In addition to his wife, survivors include; two sons and daughters in-law, Robert E. and Kathy Mitchell, Girard; James B. and Dianne Mitchell, Independence; four grandchildren and spouses, Stephanie M. and Jason Thompson, Erie, Barbara A. and Jess McCarley, Arma, Jason and Katy Mitchell, DeSoto, Kan., Ben Mitchell, Independence; three great-grandchildren, Shelby McCarley, Arma, Brett James Thompson, Erie, Zachary Thompson,  Erie; one brother, Don Mitchell, Girard; one sister, Retha Mae Nickell, Neodesha.                                                                         
Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 A.M., Monday, October 13, 2008 at the First Christian Church in Girard with Rev. Doug Amend officiating.  Burial will be in the Girard Cemetery with military honors given by the George C. Brown Post No. 26, American Legion.  The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 P.M., Sunday at the SMITH-CARSON-WALL FUNERAL HOME, where friends may call after 1:00 p.m.  Sunday.  Memorials are suggested to the First Christian Church and may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, P.O. Box 258, Girard, KS 66743.  Arrangements are under the direction of the SMITH-CARSON-WALL FUNERAL HOME of Girard.