Our Dad, Jay Dean Mitchell went to be with our Mom on June 14, 2023 in Eureka.

He was born September 24, 1939 to James Virgil Mitchell and Helen Marie Ford Mitchell in Fort Smith, Arkansas The family moved to Modesto, and Dad talked often of his young childhood there.

They later moved to Whitethorn. He attended Whitethorn School and graduated from South Fork High School. When he was young he would tend to the families 200 plus chickens and work with his Dad in the woods.

The stories he would tell of growing up at the time in (rural) Whitethorn was unbelievable at times. He started driving Logging truck for Sid Green and found his passion. He loved to get in that logging truck at 2 a.m. and hit the road. He loved the early mornings because he said “everything was waking up.”

He served his country during the Vietnam war as a Mechanic and took those skills into his civilian career. My Dad and Mom were married 56 yrs when she passed in 2017.

He was co-owner of Woodland Access Redwood Construction. The name later was changed to Redwood Coast Trucking. He taught many people how to drive and fix trucks. He was a great teacher and he always had a solution to everything. Dad had quick one liners that always made you laugh.

He is survived by his son Mike Mitchell (Karen) Deborah Mitchell Lankila (Ken) his grandchildren Michelle Mitchell Mehl (Matt) Greg Mitchell (Tiffany), Matthew (Ashley), Justin (Amanda) and Erica Lankila. He is also survived by his great -grandchildren Rylan Mitchell, Julianna and Liam Lankila, Mitchell, Marshal and Maxwell Mehl, Emmett an Eloise Lankila and his brother Guy Mitchell. Dad was a man cut from the “old cloth”. He is greatly missed, loved by his family and by others as well. The family is hosting a Memorial in Dad’s honor July 22, 2023 at The Ranch House 210 Anker Ln/Fieldbrook in McKinleyville from 2-5 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Dad’s name to McKinleyville Little League PO BOX 2284, McKinleyville, CA 95519 or the Sequoia Zoo 3414 W. Street, Eureka, CA 95503.

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