Send Condolence

James P. “Mitch” Mitchell, age 75, of Bloomington, Indiana

July 31, 1935-January 27, 2011

James P “Mitch” Mitchell of Bloomington passed away at Belle Trace Health and Living Center after succumbing to complications from Parkinson’s Disease.  Born the son of Chalmer Mitchell and Helen (Clinger) Mitchell in Frankfort Indiana.  Graduated a lettered track and football athlete from Attica High School in 1953.  Graduated from Indiana University with a BS in Biology.  He spent a year as a Graduate Assistant to Dr Frey in Ornithology thus becoming an avid and skilled lifelong bird watcher. Then Graduated from Indiana University Medical School  in 1962.   A loyal IU sports fan, he has been a season ticket holder since 1953.  In June of 1962 Mitch married the love of his life, Karen, a nurse he asked out by writing her a prescription for an evening on the town with him.  After an internship at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, Mitch completed residency in Anesthesia at Marymount Hospital 1964-66.  Mitch entered the US Army in 1966 at Brook Army Medical Center in SanAntonio Texas where he supervised Anesthesia residents.  In 1967 he was moved to Director of Surgery Darnell Army Hospital at Fort Hood Texas, where he had top clearance to treat President Lyndon Johnson if needed.  

In July of 1968 Mitch returned to Bloomington with his family where he resumed his practice full time at Bloomington Hospital.  In addition to his membership in many professional organizations, he was one of the original partners in Bloomington Anesthesiologists, and continued this practice for almost 40 years.  During his tenure at Bloomington Hospital Mitch had an opportunity to serve as Chief of Anesthesiology.  He also worked at the Eye Center of Southern Indiana, as well as numerous other specialty centers.   Mitch was a founding member and on the Board of Directors of the Southern Indiana Surgery Center.  It is in Bloomington that Mitch and his wife Karen raised their family of three children, and hold their fondest memories.  

Mitch is survived by his wife of 49 years, Karen Mitchell and their children:  Russ and Monica Mitchell of Bloomington, Scott and Ashley Mitchell of Charlotte NC, and Angela and Rob Koning of Corvallis OR.  He has 10 grandchildren,  a little sister, Teri Mitchell of Juneau AK, and numerous cousins.  He is preceded in Death by his parents and his younger brother Phil.

There will be a public Memorial Service held at Wegmiller Auditorium at Bloomington Hospital on Sunday January 30, at 2pm.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Parkinson’s Disease Association. Allen Funeral Home 4155 South Old Highway 37 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be sent to the family at www.allenfuneralhome.org.