James Mitchell

Dr. James E. ("Jim") Mitchell passed away with family and friends at his side on July 12th in Denver, Colorado. Jim was born May 1st, 1939 in Duluth, Minnesota to Thomas and Josephine Mitchell. Graduating from Duluth East High school in 1957 as a stand-out basketball player, Jim went on to a collegiate ball career at Ohio Wesleyan from which he graduated with a degree in Psychology. Following his undergraduate work, Jim earned a masters in school administration and guidance (George Washington University), an Ed.S. in personnel administration (University of Colorado - Boulder) and a Ph.D. in Educational Administration and Curriculum (University of South Dakota). Following positions as a classroom teacher, coach, athletic director, counselor and guidance department head, Jim began his administrative career as a middle school assistant principal in Robbinsdale, Minnesota and later became school principal. These leadership positions were followed by superintendent roles in Fairmont, Minnesota (1976-1982) as well as the Adams Twelve Five Star School District in the Denver metro area where he led for 14 years (1982-1994). While superintendent of schools, Jim earned both the Minnesota Administrator of the Year Award as well as the Colorado Superintendent of the Year Award. In addition, Jim was a summer fellow at Harvard University through the National Endowment for the Humanities and later gave back to the profession by mentoring beginning educators through a grant from the Wallace Foundation, as well as teaching the class "Social Foundations of Education" at the University of Colorado. In addition to his work in education, Jim served on the board of directors of the Colorado Heart Association, Humana Hospital, as well as on the Bank One in Denver and Minnesota National Bank boards. In addition, he served as president of the Denver North Metro Chamber of Commerce in the early 1990's, during which time key decisions regarding Denver International Airport came before the chamber board. Jim was known as a competitive tennis player well into his 70's and a repeat marathoner, finishing the New York Marathon six times. Most of all, he will be remembered as a remarkable husband to his wife Sandy and a gentle, loving father to his children Anne, Kelly and Sarah. He felt fortunate to spend time fishing with his grandson Jack in Canada, teaching his granddaughter Anna to playing tennis and having both grandchildren frequently visit him and Sandy at their home in Arizona. Jim is preceded in death by his father Thomas Mitchell, his mother Josephine Mitchell and his brother Joel. Jim is survived by his wife Sandy, daughters Anne and Sarah (Jack and Anna) and son, Kelly. In addition, Jim is survived by his sister Ann (Todd) and his brother Scott (Sheila). Celebration of Life, Tuesday, August 11th at 10:30, Northglenn United Methodist, 1605 W. 106th Avenue, Northglenn, CO 80234