James Mitchell Obituary

James Henry “ Jimbo” Mitchell of Selma, Alabama passed away on Thursday, January 23, 2025, in Montgomery, Alabama at the age of 63.

He was born in Clanton, Alabama on June 28, 1961 to the late J. W. “J-Boy” Mitchell and Doris Abbott Mitchell. He was baptized at Hillcrest Baptist Church on August 21, 1977.

He is survived by his wife of 16 and a half years, Melanie Box Mitchell; daughters, Tara Brooke Mitchell Mathews and Elizabeth Brooke Mitchell; grandchildren, Hudson James Mathews, Mary Cole Mitchell and Hollis Cash Hinson, affectionately renamed by him at birth, as Peanut, Bug & Bubba. They were his world.

He is also survived by siblings: Dianne (Clem) Clapp; Betty Giles and Kim Mims, numerous nieces and nephews.

Jimbo had many wonderful friends, too many to call by name, and he loved them all.

He was preceded in death by his parents J-Boy Mitchell and Doris Mitchell.

Jimbo was an avid horseman, taking many trips on different wagon trains and trail rides. He enjoyed watching his granddaughter Mary Cole train and work with her own horse.

The only time he was happier than on horseback was when he was in the woods with his grandson, Hudson, or at the ball field cheering him on.

His youngest grandson Hollis adored his “Pops” and would always run to greet him when he came home from work.

Jimbo grew up riding dirt bikes and carried that tradition through many years racing in many states. He was very proud of his awards and they are still displayed in his home.

Jimbo worked for many years in the salvage yard at Fuller Building Supply. The friendships he made there have endured for a lifetime. After leaving Fuller he went to work at International Paper Company where he worked for 24 and a half years. Jimbo worked his way up through various positions and was currently serving as the Fire Chief for International Paper Riverdale Mill.

Most notably, Jimbo worked hard and earned many certifications through the Alabama Fire College, and Central Alabama Trainnig Solutions (CATS). Jimbo mentored many young men and women, teaching them not only the skills necessary for the job, but also good work ethic.

Friends serving as pallbearers are Tommy Seales, Terry Seales, Danny Stough, Mike McCay, Mike Bearden, Brian Giles, Jeff Giles and Mitchell Carroll.

Honorary pallbearers are Bruce Fuller, Boyd Fuller, Mike Blair, Heath Stephens and Keith Sharpe.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 27, 2025 at 11:00 am from the Chapel of Lawrence Brown-Service Funeral Home with Rev. Doug Powell and Rev. Bill Goodwin officiating. 

Interment will follow in the Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian Church Cemetery. 

Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 26, 2025, from 5-8 pm at the funeral home.

Lawrence Brown-Service Funeral Home of Selma directing.