James Robert "Jim" Mitchell, of Crocker, Missouri, was born on December 10, 1928 in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of James Marion "Dutch" and Mona Violet (Hendricks) Mitchell. He departed this life at 3:41 a.m., Saturday, July 4, 2015, in the Lake Regional Health System, Osage Beach. Jim had attained the age of 86 years, 8 months, and 24 days.

During his middle school years Jim and his parents moved to the Swedeborg/Crocker, Missouri area. He attended Crocker High School and graduated in 1946. It was during this time he found his one true love. Jim was united in marriage on December 20, 1947, at the home of the bride in Crocker to Shirley Jean Sharp. They shared almost 68 years of marriage together and were blessed with two sons, Jimmy and Gary. Jim and his family attended the First Baptist Church of Crocker.

After graduation from Crocker, Jim attended the Rolla School of Mines (University of Missouri Rolla). He then returned to Crocker and worked for Sharp's Grain and Supply Company. Jim learned from his father-in-law, Hugh Sharp and soon played a vital role in the family business for thirty-two years.

Jim enjoyed golfing, hunting, singing, dancing and time spent with family and friends. He showed a great passion for his family. He would tell them to always try your best and learn from your mistakes. In his later years he loved teaching his grandchildren life lessons, hearing about the adventures of his great grandchildren, listening to Cardinal's baseball and making his beautiful wife, Shirley, her morning coffee. Jim was a loving husband, wonderful father and grandfather, and a devoted caregiver.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents James "Dutch" and Mona Mitchell. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of nearly 68 years, Shirley Mitchell of the home in Crocker; two sons and one daughter-in-law, Jim "Jimmy" and Terri Mitchell of Richland and Gary Mitchell of Osage Beach; two grandchildren, Mona and husband, Adam Shaw of Richland and Levi and wife, Cecily Mitchell of Springfield; three great-grandchildren, Brayden Burd, Gavin Shaw and Grace Mitchell; and many other relatives and friends. We celebrate his life and know that he will be fondly remembered as a devoted family man, a dedicated businessman and a good friend to many.

Funeral services were conducted for Jim at 6:00 p.m., Monday evening, July 6, 2015, in the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Chapel, Crocker with Pastor Bev Sharp, Kenner Church of God, Dixon officiating. Lisa Schwandt played the musical selections of "Amazing Grace" and "Red Wing" for the service.

Interment was in the Crocker Cemetery under the direction of the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Crocker. Pallbearers for Jim were Larry Sharp, Lynn Sharp, Ronnie Skaggs, John Wilkerson, Randy Penland and Ron Ferguson. Honorary pallbearers were Carl L. Johnson, Bud Newcomb, Art Helms and Tim Hardesty.

Memorial contributions are suggested by the family to the Crocker Schools Athletic Department with envelopes available at the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Crocker.