James K. Mitchell, 85, of Norwood

[Guest Nicole]

Posted: Apr 11, 2017 9:08 AM CSTUpdated Apr 11, 2017 9:08 AM CST

NORWOOD – Mr. James K. Mitchell, 85, of Bicknell Street, peacefully passed away Saturday afternoon, April 8, 2017 at his home with his loving wife and family by his side.

Jim was born May 23, 1931 in the Town of Stockholm, the son of the late Harold W. and Lena Doris Munson Mitchell.  He attended local rural schools before graduating from Potsdam High School and later achieved his Associates Degree from Canton ATC.  On August 3, 1952, he married Sylvia R. Page in Brainardsville, she predeceased him on March 21, 2001.  He later met Teresa Marie Sandvig marrying on April 9, 2005 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Massena. 

Jim was a self-employed farmer who retired at 62 years of age.  He then began a second career when he built a portable band sawmill and sawed over 9 million board feet for various North Country residents.  He was also a member of the St. Lawrence Power and Equipment Museum.   

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Teresa; his four sons, Douglas (Joan) Mitchell of Bergen, New York; David (Patti) Mitchell of Bangor; Dana Mitchell of Lisbon; and Darren (Diane) Mitchell of Waterloo; several grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He is also survived by his sisters, Doris Hunt of Potsdam; Letha Chase of Potsdam; Kay Ramsay of West Potsdam; and Ann MacAdam of Sacremento, CA; his brothers, Kenneth Mitchell of Waddington; Mark Mitchell of Halifax, MA; and Ronald Mitchell of Canton; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and his first wife, Jim was predeceased by two brothers, Donald R. Mitchell and Lawrence W. Mitchell; and three sisters, Betty Cox, Alice Mitchell, and Carolyn Mitchell.

Jim was much loved by all and will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held April 22, 2017 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Route 11B, Potsdam at 4:00 PM.  The family will greet friends beginning at 3:00 PM.   Burial will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to may donate in his memory to Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley.

Arrangements are with the Donaldson-Seymour Funeral Home, Potsdam, where memories, condolences, and photos may be shared online at www.donaldsonseymour.com.

In 2014 the North Country Shopper presented a wonderful feature on Jim in their “Memories” section. We encourage you to visit the link below to get an intimate snapshot into the life of this unique, innovative, and loving individual.

http://www.wwnytv.com/story/35122236/james-k-mitchell-85-of-norwood