Jim Harry Mitchell

Jim Harry Mitchell, 94, of Weatherford, Texas, passed away on Sunday evening, May 19, 2019, in Fort Worth. A Graveside Committal service celebrating his life will be held at 2 P.M., on Wednesday, May 22, at Tin Top Cemetery south of Weatherford.
Jim was born on January 28, 1925, in Mulberry, Indiana to Harry and Elda Mitchell. He grew up in Mulberry and graduated from Mulberry High School. Jim proudly went on to serve his country in the U.S. Army from 1944-1947 in the 94th Infantry. During this time, he fought in the Battle of the Bulge. Jim set 81 mm mortar in position and observed fire under his supervision. He served and participated in several overseas campaigns including Normandy, the Rhineland, Northern France, Central Europe and Ardennes. Jim was twice wounded and received several medals of honor including the EAME Theater Ribbon with 5 Bronze stars, Good Conduct Medal, Purple Heart, WWII Victory Medal, and the Distinguished Unit Badge.
When the war ended, Jim came home and started farming in Indiana. Jim married Mary Warner McNally in 1970. They had one daughter, Jennifer, who is married to Michael E. Cooper. Jim had four children from a prior marriage – Rex Mitchell, Larry Joe Mitchell, Sharon Groninger, and Cathy Hamilton. Jim and his wife Mary moved to Winter Haven, Florida in 1970. They lived there for 20 years where Jim helped open two vocational schools where young people could learn different employment. Additionally, he was the vocational coordinator at the Park City Prison. He started his own nursery as a hobby, which later turned into a full-time occupation. Jim retired in Florida, but decided he was ready to farm again. His family moved to Summersville, Missouri in 1988 there they began a cattle farm. Jim was saved and Baptized in the First Christian Church in Lake Wales, Florida in 1975. Jim enjoyed watching and working with his cattle. He loved fishing with his grandkids. He also loved to tell stories and to visit with people.
Jim is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Mitchell; parents; brother, Jay Mitchell; and two sisters as well as a brother in law, Marty Hengst (Johnny) and Pearl Mertz.
Survivors include his five children, Sharon Groninger (Terrell), Rex Mitchell, Cathy Hamilton, Larry Mitchell (Pam) and, Jennifer Cooper (Michael); 12 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and 4 great great-grandchildren.