James Ray Mitchell, 90, passed away October 4, 2025, at the 11th Street Chautauqua Guest Home in Charles City, Iowa.
A funeral service for James Mitchell will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at Messiah Lutheran Church in Charles City with longtime family friend Pastor Bill Bernau officiating. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery in Charles City.
Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home in Charles City and continue one hour before the service at the church on Wednesday.
James Mitchell was born June 20, 1935, to George Raymond and Leone (Frederick) Mitchell. He attended a one room country schoolhouse through 8th grade and graduated from Charles City High School in 1954. He was active in 4-H (showing award winning cattle at the Floyd County Fair, Iowa State Fair, and the Chicago International), FFA, and track, holding the CCHS record for the mile run for a number of years. After graduation he entered and served in the US Army. Upon returning home he reconnected with Marlys Marie Bucheister, a sweetheart from their Floyd County Fair days. They were married July 9, 1961, and began raising club calves and row crop farming south of Charles City.
James was a member of the Floyd County 4-H Committee, Floyd County Farm Bureau, Young Farmers Club, Floyd County Cattlemen, Floyd County Pork Producers, Neighborhood 500 Card Club and 4-H leader for the West St. Charles Feeders-the club his father formed and where he, his children and grandchildren were members.
After leaving farming during the farm crisis of the 1980’s, James’ strong work ethic led him to work at Sherman Nursery, in Charles City. He was a charter member of Messiah Lutheran Church where he served various leadership roles over his time there.
James’ greatest joy was his family. He was a man of service and never sought or felt comfortable in the limelight but glowed silently when his family were successful in their endeavors. Generally a man of few words UNTIL there was a sporting event, card game or livestock show that involved family, then James’ true personality shown through. He led by example that hard work is the only way to get ahead-a trait that he passed on to his four children. He took such incredible joy watching his children and grandchildren shine through success in sports, on the stage, and in their careers. His greatest pride was definitely shown through watching his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren continue the long Mitchell family legacy begun by his father of high-level success in the livestock showring at the county, state and national levels.
Living family members include siblings: Marge Squier of Britt, Don (Beverly) Mitchell of Nashua, George (Ruth) Mitchell, Bill (Linda) Mitchell, Sue (Charles) Baker of Charles City and Dean Mitchell of Arkansas; four children: Becky Becker, Tim Mitchell, Jerry (Laura) Mitchell and Richard (Amy) Mitchell of Charles City; eight grandchildren: Chris (Catherine) Becker of Colorado Springs, Joe (Hannah) Becker of Charles City, Josh (Kate) Becker of Norwalk, Tyler (Moriah) Mitchell, Zach (Lindsay) Mitchell, Drew (Madison) Mitchell, Sarah (Kaleb) Mitchell and Tyler James Mitchell all of Charles City; nine great-grandchildren; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.
James is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marlys (2003); and his siblings: Mary Stoecker, Nancy Nieman and Robert Mitchell.
Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, 1205 South Main Street, Charles City, Iowa 50616 is in charge of local arrangements. Online condolences may be left on the Tribute Wall for the family at www.hauserfh.com.
