James S. Mitchell

 James S. Mitchell, 89, Rockford, was born on August 14, 1919 and passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at Provena St. Anne Center.  He was a true American, serving his country in World War II aboard the USS Delta.  He served on the West Suburban Fire Department with the last several years as Assistant Fire Chief, ran for Republican State Representative in 1960, was school board president for Lincoln Park and Dennis Schools and was a foster father to multiple children in his life.  He owned two businesses, Mitchell Pattern Shop and Mitchell Fire Equipment and had his Journeyman Pattern Makers card.    Survivors include his wife, Wilma J. Mitchell; daughters, Louise McLaughlin ( fianca©, Ray Carpenter),Linda (Roy) Lawniczak and Helen Hoffman; grandchildren, Richard (Holly) McLaughlin, Kathleen (Richard) Hoppe, Mary Ann (Brian) Akey, Trisha (Jeremy) Gatenby, Halley (Dan) Schlarb and Stacey (Shayne) Kleinschmit; 19 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-granddaughter.  Predeceased by 2 grandsons, 1 great-granddaughter, his brother, Ernest Mitchell who perished during World War II, his sister Christina Gray, his parents and his wife, Wilma Mitchell.  Special thanks to the loving caregivers at Provena St. Anne Center.   Funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 16, 2009 in Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave. with Rev. Kathleen Brinkmier, First Church of the Brethren, officiating.  Burial in Willwood Burial Park.  Visitation from 10:00 a.m. until time of the service at the funeral home on Monday.  Memorials may be made to the family for a memorial to be established at a future date. Condolences and memories can be shared at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.