Jim R. Mitchell

November 12, 1947 - September 15, 2019

Jim Mitchell, 71 Elm Creek resident James “Jim” Mitchell, 71, Elm Creek, passed away peacefully Sunday, September 15, 2019 at CHI Good Samaritan Hospital. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 20, 2019 at the Elm Creek United Methodist Church. The Rev. Venedith Vargas and Rob Mitchell will officiate. Interment will follow at Elm Creek Cemetery with military honors provided by the Elm Creek American Legion Post # 316 in conjunction with the Nebraska National Guard. Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday at the O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Chapel in Elm Creek and one hour prior to the service at the church. Lunch will be served following the interment at the Elm Creek Village Center. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com. Services are entrusted to O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services. Jim was born on November 12, 1947 to George Mitchell and Frances (Peterson) Mitchell in Kearney, NE. Outside of a military deployment to Germany, Jim lived his entire life in Elm Creek where he met his wife Jean. They were married August 10th, 1969. After graduating from Elm Creek High School, Jim received his bachelor’s degree from Kearney State College. After being discharged from the Army, Jim farmed for much of his working life. After farming, Jim was employed by the Village of Elm Creek for many years. Jim was an avid hunter who looked forward to spending many hours at the Platte River each fall and winter. Jim also was a competitive trap shooter for many years. Jim enjoyed a good game of poker and blackjack and looked forward to the monthly game of cards with the card group for many years. He enjoyed watching Nebraska football games, but enjoyed watching his family members watch Nebraska football games more. Jim enjoyed traveling to different parts of the country by car, seeing the countryside along the way. Above all, Jim, not much for words, enjoyed spending time with friends and family. Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Nicole Mitchell of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Trapper Mitchell of Platteville, Wisconsin; brothers, Bill Mitchell and wife, Lou of Kearney and Bob Mitchell and wife, Pat of Elm Creek; sister, Connie Olson and husband, Bob of McCook; as well as many nieces, nephews, dear friends and neighbors. Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years Jean, sister, Barb Saum; brother-in-law, Hal Saum; and his parents.