James "Jim" Mitchell

James “Jim” E. Mitchell, age 81, of Irma, WI, went to his eternal resting home on Wednesday, March 28, 2018, at the Ministry St. Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield, WI, with his children by his side.  Jim was born on January 4, 1937 to the late George and Jay (Sackreiter) Mitchell in Ashland, WI.  He attended and graduated from Bayfield High School.  Jim continued his education for 4 more years, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Superior.  He eventually met his soul mate, Ruth Raarup, and the two exchanged wedding vows on July 25, 1959.  Sadly, Ruth passed away on December 22, 2016.

Jim had sold bank security equipment for LeFebure for many years, before starting part-time as a salesman at Mitchell Metals in Merrill, officially retiring in December 2017.  Jim loved to hunt and fish.  He would look forward to his annual fishing trip to Canada with friends and family, as well as taking trips to Alaska to see his family.  Jim enjoyed the outdoors and liked to be in a boat out on the water.  He was a member of a group of good friends that would go on evening pontoon cruises on Tug Lake by his home.  For many years, Jim and Ruth would head to Florida and spend time with their special Florida friends.  Friends and family were priority in Jim’s life, he was so proud of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as his many good friends.  Jim is remembered as being very social and would rarely miss a morning with his coffee groups.  He was also an avid reader of history.  Jim would also take in a game of cribbage with friends every chance he had.  He was a good man, loving father and a dear friend to many.  Jim was a member of Merrill Rotary Club and a past member of the Board of Directors for River Valley Bank.  He was also a member at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Merrill.  He will be sadly missed.

Jim is survived by his son: Mark (Roslyn)Mitchell of Anchorage, Alaska, daughter: Kathryn (Kevin) Niewolny of Wausau, grandchildren: Melissa (Nate) Huckabay and Joseph and Claire Niewolny, great grandchildren: Madison and Maija Huckabay, sisters: Margaret “Margie” Motiff of Washburn, WI and Mary (John) McCord of L’Anse, MI.  He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Jay Mitchell, his beloved best friend and wife: Ruth Mitchell and his brother-in-law: Tom Motiff.

A funeral service for Jim will be held on Friday, April 6, 2018 at 1pm at Waid Funeral Home.  Pastor Jess Wakefield will officiate.  Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 5, 2018 from 4pm-7pm and again on Friday, April 6, 2018 from 12pm until the time of the service, all at the funeral home.  Burial will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery in the town of Rock Falls.

In lieu of flowers, family requests that donations be given, in Jim’s name, to Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Merrill.

Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.