Mount Pleasant's James Mitchell dies at 100

James Mitchell

Mount Pleasant's best known centenarian, James Mitchell, died in his sleep Monday, Jan. 2, 2017. He was a big aviation buff and celebrated his birthday for many years by taking a flight provided by the Mid-America Flight Museum, weather permitting.

He was born July 18, 1916, and to celebrate his 100th birthday last summer he spent the day with family members, hosted by Scott Glover at the Mid-America Flight Museum.

In a statement posted to Facebook, the Museum said "The Mid America Flight Museum lost a good friend today. Jim Mitchell was 100 years old yet he could run circles around us - literally! He passed away in his sleep last night. We will miss him and his sweet smile. Our prayers go out to his family."

His daughter Penny Mitchell said "Today the world is a little darker because the light that was my Daddy, James Mitchell, is now shining brightly in heaven. He lived a long and blessed life and was an inspiration to his family and all who knew him. Although we grieve for our loss, we will celebrate a life well lived as he is now celebrating in his eternal home. Thank you so much from me and my family for all of your thoughts and prayers. We feel them and appreciate all of your sentiments."

Mitchell took to the air for his 100th birthday.

Mitchell was born in 1916 in West Virginia. He became an Eagle Scout in 1929, making him one of the oldest in the country. He worked in the oil and gas industry most of his life, which eventually brought him to East Texas, and he lived in Mount Pleasant for almost 40 years.

A long-time widower, he was well-known for visiting a different church each Sunday. During a visit to the Church of the Nazarene in the 1990s he met Wilbur Bugg, who was nine years his senior and also a widower.

They became fast friends and for many years were know as the "Willie and Waylon" of the Mount Pleasant geriatric set. Bugg died in 2012, three days shy of his 103rd birthday.

Mitchell was well known for staying active and cheerful. He exercised regularly, bowled, and attended each month's Live 'n Learn senior event hosted by TRMC at the civic center.

There will be a celebration of the life of James Mitchell on Friday, Jan. 6 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Andrew UMC in Mt. Pleasant. Visitation will be Thursday, Jan. 5, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Bates-Cooper-Sloan Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant.