Obituary of James Mitchell

James David Mitchell was born in Dearborn, Michigan on December 7, 1931. He was the youngest of nine children born from the union of the late David and Etta (Daniel) Mitchell. He attended Flat Rock High School before graduating in 1950 from Airport High School. James served his country honorably during the Korean War as a member of the US Navy. He married the former Mary Rothman on November 7, 1959 at St. John. James worked for thirty-five years at Ford Motor Company serving in many capacities, worked on the mustang line and retired from Quality Control on December 31, 1985. He was a very gifted woodcarver competing in state and national competitions, and a member of the River Raisin Woodcarvers. James was very proud of his patriotic carved canes for disabled veterans. He loved the outdoors and was an avid fisher and hunter, enjoyed swimming, taxidermy, and vacationing at family property in Hillman. James was very supportive pushing his children to succeed, and was proud of the children's accomplishment of obtaining college educations. He enjoyed collecting hats and completing puzzles, and was fan of CYO football and NASCAR. As a young man he raced late model stock cars at Detroit, Toledo, and Flat Rock Speedways in the number 109 car. He was a former Boy Scout Leader, and a member of the Carleton VFW Post 4093. James age 79 of Carleton passed away on Friday, September 30, 2011. In addition to his parents his passing was preceded by eight siblings. To cherish his memory he leaves a wife of nearly 52 years: Mary of Carleton; three children: Michael (Jodie) Mitchell of Newport and Michelle "Shelly" (Jeffrey) Hutchison and Daniel (Elizabeth) Mitchell both of Monroe; six grandchildren: Matthew and Morgan Mitchell, Thomas M. and Chloe Hutchison, and Sarah and Jacob Mitchell; and a sister-in-law and brother-in-law: Helen and Edward Fuhrman of Carleton. Friends may gather from 5:00-8:00pm Saturday and from 2:00-8:00pm Sunday at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe (734) 384-5185. A Rosary will take place at 6:00pm, Sunday. He will lie in state from 9:30 until the Mass of the Resurrection at 10:00am, Monday, October 3, 2011 at St. Patrick, 2996 West Labo, burial to follow at the church cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the family. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, send a floral arrangement, or send a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com; Online Tributes page.