James Earl Mitchell

A Celebration of Life Graveside Service for Mr. James Earl Mitchell, Sr., 85 of Decatur, Alabama will be 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, September 21, 2022 at Calvary Memorial Gardens with the Reverend Dorothy Jean Gilchrist officiating. There will be no public viewing with Reynolds Funeral Home directing.

Mr. Mitchell was born in Decatur, Alabama on February 1, 1937 to the late Zeke and Katie Mae Clack Mitchell. He departed this life on September 14, 2022 at his residence in Decatur, Alabama. 

Mr. Mitchell accepted Christ at an early age. He was educated in the Decatur City School System. As a young man he loved spending time working on automobiles.  When he became of age, he enlisted with the United States Army, in which his desire was to make it a career. While serving faithfully in the Army, he received several certifications that included transmission repairs.  He later became active in the United States Army Reserve.  He further his education by attending Calhoun Community College where he received certifications in painting and auto repair along with other additional certifications.  He was also employed by Grayson Rose Transmission and Decatur Transit Trucking Company as a mechanic/driver.  In 1969 during integration of public schools, he was also a mechanic/ bus driver.  He later was a self-employed mechanic. He was slow but sure to get you running again. 

He was preceded in death by: a daughter, Janice Mitchell; his parents; grandson, Cortez Mitchell; brothers, Willie and Joseph “TG” Mitchell; stepsons, John Phonore and Tommie Lee Phonore.

Mr. Mitchell is survived by: two daughters, Joyce Mitchell, Alice Jones; sons James Mitchell, Jr., James Mitchell Burton, and James Dwight Mitchell; stepdaughter, Mary Simpson; 26 grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends.

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