James Mitchell

James Arthur (Butch/Sweety) Mitchell, born October 8, 1941, Titus County to the parents of Johnnie B. and Donnie B. Mitchell. He graduated from Hawkins Colored High School and attended Jarvis Christian College and what is now the University of Texas at El Paso. He was an outstanding athlete in high school and college. He enlisted in the Marines on December 9, 1963, and was honorably discharged in December 1967 as a Sgt E-5. Military honors include National Defense Service Medal; Navy Unit Commendation; Vietnam Campaign Medal w/device; Vietnam Service Medal w/#1; and Good Conduct Medal. After serving in the Marines, James worked for Southern California Edison Electric in Rosemead, California for many years. While at Edison his good friend Manuel Gamez of Whittier, CA pursued him for 8 years with the Gospel of salvation until James made the decision at a bible study group on his job to get saved. When Bro. Manuel asked after a bible study who wanted to be saved James raised his hand, went forward and accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord, February 1982. Bro. Manuel said he was never the same man after that. Winning souls to Jesus Christ was James’ passion, and he did so often.

He met and married Mildred Thomas. After 25 years of marriage Mildred preceded him in death, as well as his three stepchildren.

After becoming a member of Dayspring Worship Center in Lancaster, Texas, April 2006, he fell in love and married Debrah Mathews on June 8, 2008. They served the Lord together in ministry. James served as the Sunday School Superintendent and Lead Usher. He loved the Lord, his wife, family, and church family very, very much! He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and loyal, trusted friend to so many until his passing.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Johnnie B. Mitchell and Donnie B. Townsy Mitchell, and his sister Hazel Mitchell. He went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, with his loving wife at his side.

Loving memories will be cherished by: Wife, Debrah Mitchell of Dallas, TX; daughter, Analisa Mathews and grandson Jeremiah Mathews of Irving, TX; brother Earnie (Mary) Mitchell of Dallas, TX; sisters Mary Edwards of Llano, CA; Anna Curry of Lancaster, TX; Peggie Jones and Evelyn Hendricks of Colorado Springs, CO; Rockey (Michelle) Lafayette, of Dangerfield, TX; Donnie Lafayette, of Tyler, TX; Wanda (Frank) Derrett, of Wynona, TX, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and church family.

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