Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Mr. James Leon Mitchell, of Andalusia, passed away Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, at UAB Hospital, following a brief battle with cancer. He was 67 years old.

James was born on May 14, 1954, in Demopolis, Alabama. He was the son of Leon and Maxine Mitchell. James was a graduate of Greensboro High School and Troy State University.

James began his career at the West Central Alabama Rehabilitation Center where he met his wife, Joan. James spent the majority of his employment years with the State of Alabama working for the Department of Labor as an employment counselor.

Mr. Mitchell was actively involved with youth sports in our community while his sons participated. He served several years as president of Little League. There was nothing he enjoyed more than watching his sons play ball.

James was an active member of First Baptist Church. Through the years, he has taught Sunday School, served as a deacon, worked with Bible drill, and served on many committees. During the last few years, he was involved in the church’s television ministry, running the television cameras for many Sunday services.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Maxine Mitchell. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Joan Hill Mitchell; sons, Dr. Ryan Mitchell (Megan) of Wake Forest, North Carolina, Matthew Mitchell (Jenny) of Charlotte, North Carolina; and grandsons, Beckett, Cyrus James, and Hampton Mitchell of Wake Forest. He is also survived by a sister, Ann Mitchell of Oxford, Alabama; brother, Joe Mitchell (Zoriana) of Tampa, Florida; sister-in-law, Jane Crain of Birmingham and several nephews.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2:30 p.m., at First Baptist Church of Andalusia. The family received friends from 1 until 2:30 p.m. Dr. Kevin Wilburn officiated. Special music was provided by Sonia and Dwight Crigger and Diane Johnson. Interment followed at the Andalusia Memorial Cemetery. Pallbearers were Bob Harry, Jay Farrington, Joe Compton, Benny Gay, Casey Thompson, and Ziba Anderson.

Memorial contributions may be made to the building fund at First Baptist Church of Andalusia, 700 East Three Notch Street, Andalusia, AL  36420.

Those wishing to sign the online registry may do so at www.foremanfuneralhome.com.