James Edward Mitchell (also known as "Dad", "Gramps", "Dirk", and "Uncle James") of Benton, Arkansas went to be with his "Poppa" and "Momma" on February 9, 2023, at the age of 86 years old.

He was born in El Dorado, Arkansas and was the 15th of 16 children of William Johnathan and Mary Tennie Smith Mitchell. He grew up in the rural community of Mt. Holly, Arkansas but later moved to Benton, Arkansas. He passed away sharing the gospel and singing old gospel hymnals from his hospital bed at Saline Memorial Hospital.

He will be greeted in Heaven by his parents and his 15 siblings: Eunice, Elsie, Altha, John Carlton, Mildred, Elmer, Leona Faye, Ivan (Leonard), Bruce, Ida Tennessee, Marion, Morgan, Billy Joe, Betty Jean, Mary (Polly), as well as several nieces, nephews and best friends.

He is survived and will be greatly missed by his wife of 64 years, Ohma Fullington Mitchell. Other survivors include his children, Jennifer (Randy) Bowen and Jeff (Sherrie) Mitchell, all of Benton, Arkansas. He is survived by 5 grandchildren: Kelley (Mary) Bowen of Bauxite, Shannon (Chris) Ebarb of Natchitoches, La., Corey Bowen (Taylor Leslie) of Benton, Justin Mitchell (Molly Brannon) of Benton, and Kristin (Camryn) Wood of Bryant. He had 5 great grandchildren: Trey Ebarb of La., Lauren Bowen of Bauxite, Peyton Ebarb (Trevor Metoyer) of Tx., Bailey Ebarb of La., and Wrenlee Wood of Ar., as well as one great grandchild, and one great great grandchild. He loved his animals and currently was caring for his dogs Ruff and Sugarbabe.

Throughout his life he lived by what his "poppa" (Johnathan Mitchell) taught him, "Son, if you can't do anything to help someone, don't do anything to harm them." Everyone knew him as having a passion for telling stories of his family history and for the pranks he pulled over his lifetime.

During his life he was an avid hunter and was very family oriented. He always encouraged his family members to attend all of the annual Mitchell Family Christmases and annual Family Reunions. He is being remembered for the nicknames he gave many of his nieces and nephews, and as being very caring and loving to everyone. He worked as a Master Craftsman, Carpenter and Jack of All Trades until he was 82 years old. He could imagine something and create it. He loved to precept and teach the younger generation, and share his knowledge of hunting and craftsmanship. He was known as being a prankster and as being very mischievous, both with his family and at work.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home in Bryant, Arkansas from 6-8 P.M. Services will be Wednesday February 15, 2023, at Dial and Dudley at 11:00 A.M and is to be followed with burial at Rosemont Cemetery in Benton, Ar.

Pallbearers are Mark Mitchell, David Mitchell, Chester Harris, John Fullington, Larry Mitchell, and Greg Mitchell. Honorary Pallbearers are John Lee Smith, Kenny Mitchell, and Rick Williams.

A Special Thank You to Carson, Heather, Dr. Ferguson, UAMS Nursing Students, and other Saline Memorial ER and 5th floor staff that provided exceptional care and kindness for James and his family during his last days.