James "Jimmie" Mitchell, Jr.'s Obituary
James Mitchell Jr. – “Jimmie” to loved ones and friends – age 66, of Muskegon, passed away Friday, August 14, 2020. A former U.S. Marine, skilled carpenter, and mechanic, he was born June 28, 1954 to James and Joan Mitchell (Nummerdor). He married his high school sweetheart, Cindy Lou Ruffilo (who was born Nov. 28, 1956), on Aug, 28, 1976. The couple’s children, daughters Teal Shannon, of Detroit, and Mindy Marie, of Muskegon, said “28” was Jimmie and Cindy’s lucky number.
He will be remembered for his love of family, of beautiful things, of doing things the right way, or not doing them at all, and – not least of all – for his cooking, which was second to none: his chicken and dumplings, slow-braised brisket, barbeque, coleslaw, cucumber salad; his guacamole, his deviled eggs, meatballs, patty melts, and the turkeys he’d made over the years when the extended family would gather for Christmas. He could often be found in his mother Joan’s kitchen, before her passing, cooking alongside her, or working on a project with his youngest brother Jody.
Jimmie took pride in a job well done. Those who knew him well knew there wasn’t a restoration project he could turn away – whether it was his grandmother’s house, built by his grandfather’s hands, his classic 1967 Chevy Nova, or his 1972 Chevy Blazer. It wasn’t that he lived in the past; it was that he found joy in the unlimited possibility of the future.
He is survived and greatly missed by his beloved wife and two daughters, and his granddaughter, Olivia. His siblings, Janie (Patrick) Palazzolo, Jon (Ronda) Mitchell, Jill (Don) Szalonek, and Jody (Laura) Mitchell, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins are among those who will also feel his loss, as will many lifelong friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.
An open, outdoor celebration of life will be held at 1418 South Sheridan Drive, Muskegon, MI, 49442, Saturday, Aug. 29, from 2 to 6 p.m. Masks will be available.
Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.
Arrangements by Sytsema Cremation Services, 773 Apple Ave. Muskegon, MI 49442.
Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.
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