James Mitchell

On Friday, August 26, 2022, James David Mitchell, formerly of Fairfield Avenue, Danville, went home to meet face to face the Lord whom he loved and served for most of his 96 years. He leaves behind his faithful wife of nearly 79 years, Buna Hazel Carswell Mitchell, his daughter, Claudia Mitchell Phillips, his son-in-law, Thomas E. Phillips, Jr., two granddaughters, Kelly Phillips Grubb and Melissa Phillips Janes (Kenny), four great grandchildren, Olivia and Abby Grubb and Paige and Patrick Janes, two sisters, Irene Mitchell Howard and Audrey Mitchell Smith and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his brothers, Rayford and Paul Mitchell and his sisters, Charlie Mae Mitchell Earp and Mary Mitchell Rippy. Mr. Mitchell was born in Stony Point, NC on July 12, 1926 to Charlie Sylvester Mitchell and Eva Mae Beckham Mitchell. The family moved to Danville in February of 1935 and in that same year began attending The Baptist Tabernacle. A few years later, James David made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ and became a member of The Tabernacle, where he worshiped until 2019 when he went to live with his daughter and son-in-law in Ashland VA. In his younger years he drove the church bus, sang in the church choir and was the bass singer in a quartet that sang on the radio with Dr. R. J. Barbour, Sr. The quartet also traveled with Dr. Barbour to hold evangelistic meetings. In 1944, at age 17, Mr. Mitchell joined the U.S. Navy in order to serve with the Allies in World War II. He was stationed in Pearl Harbor and Midway during his two years of service. Mr. Mitchell spent a total of 26 years working in Dan River Mills, first in #3 Card production and then in maintenance. In 1970 he joined Brown & Root Construction Company working as a welder. In 1981 he continued that line of work for Perkins Foundry Machine Company, where he remained until his retirement at age 62. After retirement he spent several years totally remodeling his home. Always skilled with his hands, he added rooms, installed plumbing and HVAC, ran wiring, built stairways, opened up and built out attic and basement spaces and made custom cabinets. In 1995 Mr. Mitchell joined The Redmen Poquoson Tribe #124. He served faithfully in several leadership positions within his tribe and worked on numerous club projects and events. He filled the office of Great Sachem of the State of Virginia in 2001 and also in 2004. He took his jobs seriously and strove to increase awareness of the importance of civic duty. Perhaps the most influential position he ever held was that of husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was a wonderful example of what a Christian father should be, living his life in sincere humility, always striving to follow his God. He read his Bible through at least once every year for many years and he never missed a day of praying for his family, as well as for his church, his public leaders and his country. Although he was stout and strong for most of his life, he was a gentle soul, always seeking to do the right thing and to take care of those he loved. No matter how hard the job or how tough the situation, he saw things through to the finish. He was greatly loved by his family and he will be sorely missed. But all who know him know where he is now, celebrating with the saints and angels in heaven. Funeral services will be held at The Tabernacle, 1978 South Boston Road, Danville, VA 24540, on Monday August 29, with visitation starting at 1:00 pm, followed by a service of celebration at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Baptist Tabernacle.