James Moore Mitchell

James Moore Mitchell, 86, of Bolivar, departed this life early Tuesday morning, July 16, 2024, at his home. Born February 14, 1938, at Methodist Hospital in Memphis, he was the son of the late Robert Paul Mitchell and Bernice Gillihan Mitchell.

Church services are 1:00 pm, Saturday, July 20, 2024, at Bolivar First Methodist Church with burial to follow in the Mitchell Family Cemetery. The visitation is Friday, at Shackelford Funeral Directors of Bolivar, from 5:00 – 8:00 pm and, again on Saturday, at the church from 12 noon until service time.

A devout Christian man who was very compassionate, he always provided for his family. Mr. Mitchell was never lacking in words of wisdom nor lacking in words at all, and you always knew where you stood with him. He married Martha Jean Eaker on September 5, 1959, and he would’ve moved Heaven and Earth to make his bride happy. Martha could do no wrong in his eyes. He thought she hung the moon.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Martha Mitchell; two daughters, Sandra Mitchell of Bolivar and Jane Hubbard (Mike) of Bolivar; four grandchildren, Jamie Cruz (Mario) of Milan, Jonathan Hubbard (Savannah) of Bolivar, Rachel Maness of Corinth and Leigh Ann Gurien of Memphis; seven great-grandchildren, Bianca Cruz, Eli Cruz, Annabelle Hubbard, Melanie Hubbard, Owen Hubbard, Reed Hubbard and Odd Lee Gurien; five nephews, John Mitchell, Michael Mitchell, Robert Mitchell, Chis Eaker, Jason Eaker, and one niece, Mary Lynn Tabor; and several great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Paul and Bernice Mitchell; his brothers, Bobby and Mike Mitchell; sister-in-law, Ruth Ann Mitchell; and three daughters, the twins, Deborah and Debbie Mitchell and, Shannon Maness.

Mr. Mitchell graduated from Bolivar school in 1956 and attended UT Martin for 2 years. He spent his career as a fire fighter in Memphis for 26 years and retired as a district chief in 1988.

He attended Good Shephard United Methodist Church in Memphis before moving to Hardeman County and was a very faithful member and active participant at Bolivar First Methodist Church until his time of death. He enjoyed being part of the Methodist Men group and demonstrating his faith by his many good deeds.

Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell spent many years traveling before slowing down to spend their time on the lake at Sardis where he would catch fish to take back to his family to fry. An incredible woodworker, he loved to work in his garden. His great-grandchildren would call him the “keeper of the candy". He was a Master Mason of the Bolivar Lodge #608.

Memorials may be sent to Bolivar First Methodist Church or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.