James Mitchell

James Mitchell was born December 3, 1915 the youngest child of James A. and Reca Mitchell in Malta, Mont. His young life was full of adventures with his brothers and sisters; always including horses, cattle and a multitude of pets. He attended elementary school in rural Phillips County which led to lifelong memories and humorous stories.

In the early 1930's Jim was proud to be one of the many workers who built the Fort Peck Dam. He was drafted into the Air Force in 1942 and served his country during World War II. His travels took him to India, Burma, China, and Australia. Upon his return he continued ranching with his family. On March 8, 1947, he married Dorothea Kahn in Malta. They ranched south of Malta and raised their three daughters. In the following years, they ranched near Clyde Park, Ashland, Grass Range, and eventually retired to the Yellowstone Valley near Miles City.

Jim's life was centered around ranching and cattle. He kept up with the ranch lives of his daughters and their families. Right up to the end he was concerned about the calf market and if everybody had enough hay for the winter. He was blessed with a good life and he lived it well. He passed away at age 100 in the early morning hours of Thursday, October 6, 2016, and will be laid to rest in his beloved Phillips County.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Dorothea, his brothers Lawrence, Forrest, and Orville Mitchell and his sisters Gladys Isom and Bertha Cebulski.

He is survived by his three daughters, Charlotte Miller (Myron Allerdings), Cheryl (Mick) Melin and Judy (Mark) Bloxham. Jim is also survived by four grandsons, Nolan (Amanda) Melin, Ryan (Nichole) Melin, Mitchell Bloxham, and Jordan Bloxham. Also surviving are his great grandson Brand Melin and his great granddaughter Chasyn Melin. Jim is also survived by his niece and nephews who he held very close to his heart.

Military graveside services will be held on Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at 11 a.m. at the Malta Cemetery in Malta, Mont. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: http://www.stevensonandsons.com.