John Mitchell, Jr.

John W. Mitchell Jr. of Portage, passed away on July 13, 2024, due to Covid vaccine complications. He was born in Kalamazoo, MI, on June 29, 1949, the son of the late John Sr. and Mita (Oosterbaan) Mitchell. John was kind and gracious, facing many challenges in life with a sense of hope and peace. John was employed by MRC Industries for over 30 years. During his retirement he participated in the McKercher Art Program. John was a talented artist known for his drawings of cats and dogs with more than four limbs. He was an avid historian with an in-depth knowledge of Kalamazoo buildings and their occupants; he also loved genealogy. He had an interest in early television media and corresponded with the late Larry Fine of the Three Stooges, Bob Keeshan (Captain Kangaroo), and Buck Barry, a WOOD-TV children's television host. John had the unique ability to be able to tell you the exact day of the week for any date in history. He was a sweet, gentle and caring individual who became friends with everyone he met. He will be missed and remembered by those that love him, especially his brother, James Mitchell, who survives; he is also survived by cousins, Mita Misra, Irene Zuiderveen, Sheila Miner, Ronald Selner, Chris Oosterbaan and Dale Raynard, of Michigan, Margaretha Walk and Cynthia Walk-Wolfinger of LaJolla, California, Dinand Walk of Brownsville, Texas, Christy Wood of Betterndorf, Iowa; his long-time caregiver, Bill Aina; the Mitchell family cats, Friday, Goblin, Diva and Jackson; many friends and caretakers. The family would like to acknowledge and thank the staff of ROI Schuring Road and Barb Buchanan for her guidance and oversight. A visitation was held at Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home, 917, S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, on Thursday, August 8, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. A funeral service to honor and celebrate his life was held on Friday, August 9, 2024, at 11:00 AM, at Milwood United Methodist Church, 3919 Portage St. Kalamazoo, MI 49001, with Pastor Caleb Williams officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Kalamazoo Animal Rescue, c/o the funeral home. Friends may leave a condolence message for the family at www.joldersma-klein.com.