LAKE STEVENS — People called him “Mr. Lake Stevens.”
Former 39th Legislative District state Rep. Jim Mitchell, 87, died May 6.
“He was an absolutely amazing man,” said Arlene Hulten, a longtime friend and school district spokeswoman. “He was devoted to this community.”
Mitchell graduated in 1942 from Lake Stevens High School, where he played three sports. He served in the Navy during World War II and graduated with a pharmacy degree from the University of Washington in 1948, when he moved back to Lake Stevens.
He and his wife Nancy owned Mitchell’s Pharmacy in Lake Stevens until their retirement.
“Jim attended every community event and served in every way,” Hulten said.
He was a state legislator from 1979 to 1984, was active in the Lions Club, was a longtime volunteer fireman and served on many community boards, including for the Lake Stevens Boys &Girls Club and the Lake Stevens High School Purple and Gold Booster Club.
Tim Posey, president of the Lake Stevens Vikings Purple and Gold Club, said Mitchell was well-known by many people.
“It will be so strange not to see him at Aquafest this year,” Posey said. “He was a legend.”
James B. Mitchell was born on May 18, 1924, in Everett, to Florence and Ben Mitchell.
He is survived by his wife Nancy, two sons and eight grandchildren.
A memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday at Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 2111 117 Ave. NE, in Lake Stevens.
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the church or Lake Stevens Historical Society.
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