Reverend Israel James Mitchell was born in Valdosta, Georgia, where he graduated from Pinevale High School. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving faithfully with Unified and Specified Commands, including Special Operations Command and the U. S. Central Commands, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. During his military career, Reverend Mitchell traveled to Southeast Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. He retired in 1991 after 23 years of faithful service.

Having received the call to ordained ministry during his military service, he served as part-time Assistant Pastor at Rivergrove United Methodist Church, Tampa, Florida from September 1991 to August 1992, while also working for the Clerk of The Circuit Court of Hillsborough County.

In September 1992, Reverend Mitchell left the Clerk’s Office after one year and was appointed as full time Pastor at Mount Zion United Methodist Church, Clearwater, Florida. On July 1, 2008, Reverend Mitchell was appointed to McCabe United Methodist Church, St. Petersburg, Florida, where he retired. Reverend Mitchell completed courses of study with the Community College of the Air Force, Saint Leo University and Candler School of Theology, Emory University in 2003 and was selected to participate in a “Wesley Study Tour” in Epworth and London, England during the summer of 2005. Reverend Mitchell served on the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry and District Boards of Mission and Church Extension, Ordained Ministry and Leadership Team. Reverend Mitchell’s major accomplishments were accepting Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and marrying his beloved, dedicated, committed wife, who never left his side. James and Ann have two daughters and three grandchildren.

Reverend Mitchell is predeceased by his father, Mr. Lewis Mitchell, Jr.

His legacy will forever live on in the hearts of…his wife, Ann Mitchell; daughters, Sonya Mitchell and Brandi Johnson (Jumah); son, James T. Mitchell; like a son, Tajar Ray; grandchildren, Demetrick James Mitchell, Jayah Kate Johnson, Ty Rashad Johnson, Jocelyn Ann Mitchell and Destiny Michelle Mitchell; great grandchild, Asa James Seymour; mother, Mrs. Elizabeth H. Mitchell; sisters, Mary F. Bryant of Valdosta, GA, Beatricia M. King (A.B.) of Ft. Valley, GA and Carol M. Brown of Valdosta, GA; brother, Anthony Mitchell (Rosa) of El Paso, TX; sister-in-law, Lucille Morris; brother-in-law, Reverend Charles E. Ray (Annie); godsons, Jivaro Ray, Tajar Ray, Devin Ray, Shawn Ray and Brandon Ray; and a host of nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, other relatives and friends who loved him dearly.

Public Viewing will Monday September 13, 2021 (10AM - 11AM) at New Hope United Methodist Church 213 N. Knights Avenue Brandon, Florida 33510

Home Going Celebration will be Monday September 13, 2021 (11AM) at New Hope United Methodist Church 213 N. Knights Avenue Brandon, Florida 33510

Funeral Services Entrusted to Smith-Young's Funeral Home & Cremation Services.