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Jim Mitchell was an avid hobbyist of G gauge model trains and served as the president of the Houston Area G Gaugers. Below is from their tribute to him.
Jim Mitchell passed away peacefully at home in Jasper, Texas on Wednesday, August 24th, 2022. As many of you know, he's struggled with various health issues in his adult years, but since the end of April of this year he has fought against a nasty, incurable fungus that invaded his lungs and knocked him down at the Galveston Train Show. Those of us at that show knew he was terribly ill when he couldn't stay at a train show! He led a strong fight, but it ultimately just wore him down and he happily transitioned to eternal life yesterday.
He had a short list of things he wanted to get done before he passed, one of which was running trains! He accomplished this just a couple of weeks ago at RRM thanks to his sister who took him there. Thank you Debbie! The hobby has lost a wealth of knowledge with the passing of Jim.
Jim was a kind, wonderful family man and dear friend to many and always amazed me by the number of people he knew and the things he accomplished in his life. He had so many stories about his many, many life experiences (that you may have questioned and sometimes became grander with each telling!) He was a member of several train clubs around the country over the years where he learned things that he shared with anyone who would listen. He was a member of HAGG since 2009, was Vice President 2017-2019 and President 2019-to present. Once he retired, he made the three hour trip to Houston to attend as many HAGG events as possible. He LOVED everything trains!! He was a retired US Navy veteran who was proud of and loved his country very much. He was a devoted follower of his Saviour Jesus Christ.
To say his smile, laugh, stories and presence will be missed from train shows, RRM run days, HAGG meetings, work days, parties and more is a huge understatement. He brought fun, laughter and great memories to everything he touched. I compiled the attached photo college of some of the many fun times he allowed us to share with him.
Jim's family is arranging a Memorial Service to be held sometime in September. They will share the details with me when plans are finalized and I will pass them along to the club.
Jim asked that donations be made to the Rosenberg Railroad Museum or any veteran related charity of your choice in lieu of flowers. The museum has set up a special donation page for him at the following link: https://www.rosenbergrrmuseum.org/.../in-loving.../286. If you prefer, you can mail a check directly to the museum as follows: Rosenberg Railroad Museum, attn: Rainey Webster, PO Box 369, Rosenberg, TX 77471, and note in memory of Jim Mitchell on the check.
Condolences for the family may be sent to his sister, Debbie Mitchell Walkinshaw, at his home address, 279 CR 165, Jasper, TX 75951. Please keep Debbie, who took care of him over the last few years, and the rest of his family in your thoughts and prayers.
Brenda Cauthen
Secretary
houstonagg.com
From HAGG friend Chuck Hewell:
While I assume most HAGG members know Jim was retired Navy, they may not know Jim was a retired Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer. As a “ Senior Chief” (E-8) Jim had attained the second highest enlisted rank in the Navy. The competition to be advanced to Senior Chief is very selective. To be advanced to Senior Chief, Jim had to be one of the top technical experts in the Navy in his rating (technical specialty) as well as being a top performer in leadership.
September 18, 2022
Family and friends gathered yesterday to celebrate our dear friend and president of the club. It was a wonderful gathering that I think Jim Mitchell would have been very pleased with! He always said he wanted a party with chili dawgs and wine, with no sadness when he was gone and that is what we had! Rest in Peace my wonderful friend. You will be SO missed! Here's a little memory video I put together for the occasion. https://youtu.be/ZRW7F0s5Rco
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