James Edward Mitchell

Bellingham Jim passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on Wednesday March 26, 2014. He was born to Joe and Toni Mitchell on May 19, 1948 in Everett, WA. He grew up with his sister Merrilie, attended Lowell Elementary school, graduated from Everett High School in 1966 and attended Everett Community College. He helped his Dad in the families ice cream shop Englishs where in learned to run a business at an early age. He obtained his insurance license in 1969 at the age of 21. In his 45 years in the insurance business he earned many industry awards but what he most cherished were the many friends, collegues and clients he met and loved along this journey we call life. He married his wife Dianne on May 21, 1977 in Bellingham and the Brady Bunch was created. Jim managed the Metropolitan Life office in the Herald Building at the time and they raised their 6 children in Racine Street where many wonderful memories were made. Jim enjoyed his family most of all! He also enjoyed outdoor gardening, golfing, boating in the San Juans, vacationing with his family, traveling especially to Hawaii, Mickey Mouse, Christmas (with all the outside lights), and his many collections (shells, gems, baseball cards, model cars, etc). He loved his best friend Jesus and wanted everyone he met to know him too. Jim is survived by his wife Dianne; daughters Katharine Carey, Christine Kirsch-Martin, Debbie Kirsch-Manson (Steven) and sons: Joe Mitchell (Tammy), Jeff Hammond (Cheri) Gunther Joe Kirsch (Tracy) Randy Wilson (Tricia); sister Merrilie and neice Shelly Sawyer both of Marysville; grandchildren Michelle, Jennifer, Brent, Kylie, Kelsey, Ava, Alyssa, Jacob, Jessie, Josh, Sierra, McKenzie ,Amanda Julia, Riley, James and 10 great-grandchildren and one more on the way. Farewell Tribute Information There will be a Celebration of Life on Thursday, April 3, 2014 at 11:00 AM at Christ The King Church in Bellingham, WA. A reception will follow, meeting at CTK, then to the Elks Lodge. Donations Information Memorial donation may be made to Christ the King Missions Funds or Whatcom Hospice. Donations Links: Whatcom Hospice Christ The King

James Edward Mitchell

May 19, 1948 - March 26, 2014