John Mitchell

John Richard Mitchell 1939-2021 John R. Mitchell passed away of natural causes on the morning of June 1st in Newport Beach, California. In his last days, John said I love yous and goodbyes to his sister, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and devoted girlfriend. John was known for spreading laughter. He had a laugh like a tune you couldn't stop humming. Calm and wise, John's family and confidants relied on his wisdom, sound advice, and lightheartedness during difficult times. He managed to be substantive and strong yet forever fun-loving. John was born and raised in Marion, Illinois. His parents, Leonard Mitchell and Nellie Thompson both graduated from the University of Illinois. Toward the end of this life, John loved divulging stories of his shenanigans growing up in Southern Illinois. He shared stories and special memories of his beloved sister and best friend Beth and cherished childhood friends. John remained close with his Marion friends for over 70 years. After getting his degree in mortuary science from Southern Illinois University, he left the family business and came to California. John was an LAPD officer in the '70s, a van lines salesperson, a high school math teacher, and a student/player of the stock market. He lived most of his adult life in Huntington Harbor and Huntington Beach. He loved it. He developed close friendships, loved the great weather, tennis, bridge, golf, boat parades, progressive dinners, day trips with his guy friends, and Road Scholar trips. He traveled the globe and had particularly fond memories of his African safari. John lived a great life. He is survived by his younger sister, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, long-term girlfriend, and lifelong best friends. John asked to be cremated at Heritage Memorial in Huntington Beach. His wife of many years, Linda Mitchell, was also cremated there. A portion of John's ashes will be sent to his sister in Marion, Illinois. Those ashes will be buried alongside his parents, Nellie and Leonard, at the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Marion. For a guy with a sharp wit who loved to laugh, the Odd Fellows Cemetery seems the perfect place. John Mitchell was an extremely prudent man. He often told us, "Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without!" So, if you feel compelled to give, please make a donation in his name to the place where your spirit is fed, or donate to your progeny's 529 plan, or deposit to your own family's tax-sheltered savings account. Then, go swing a golf club, a tennis racket, ride a boat, play bridge, laugh with friends, and hug a loved one in honor of John Richard Mitchell.