James E. “Jim” Mitchell

James E. “Jim” Mitchell died on February 8, 2024, after 90 years of a wonderful life.

Born in the Great Depression on October 2, 1933, in San Antonio, he graduated from the old Hot Wells High School in 1951 and Texas A&M in 1955.

His parents were descendants of immigrants from the Czech Republic, and through research Jim traced their travels back to the villages in Moravia they came from in the 1800s.

Grandfather Joseph Henry Mikulencak lost his mother at a young age, and adoptive parents Americanized his name to Mitchell.

Joseph married Elvira Odom in 1904 and farmed in the community of Mound Creek, Karnes County, Texas.

In about 1930 they moved to San Antonio where their eldest son, Elmer Mitchell, a barber, met and married Leona, a registered nurse at Santa Rosa Hospital.

Mother Leona (née Matcek) Mitchell was born in Burleson County, near Caldwell, Texas, to parents, Frank and Sophie (née Maresh) Matcek. She served a long nursing career and retired to her (only) son’s pecan farm near New Braunfels to enjoy gardening.

Upon earning his degree from A&M, Jim entered the Air Force and became a pilot, flying four different planes including the B25 Billy Mitchell Bomber and a twin engined Convair designated the T29.

After five years of military service, he entered the real estate business specializing in investment properties and was designated Salesman of the Year by the San Antonio Board of Realtors in 1963.

Jim and Bernie enjoyed more than 30 years of square dancing with their many good friends.

His 69-year marriage to Bernadette (née Urbanovsky) Mitchell was blessed with six children, eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

When the children were young, each Wednesday was “Family Night” with a meeting to stress good habits, individual responsibilities, family values and ending with dessert and entertainment.

Jim was most proud of his loving wife and children.

They celebrated a Golden Wedding Anniversary in 2005 in Caldwell, Texas, and will be buried there behind the church in which they married.

Jim is survived by his wife, Bernadette Urbanovsky Mitchell; children, Kathleen Arends (Tommy), Peggy Kirk (Douglas), Karen Austin (Truett), Phyllis Riedel (David), Joel Mitchell (Vanessa), Dean Mitchell (Kellie); eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren.

Arrangements: His family and friends will celebrate his life on March 16, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at The Old Post Office in Caldwell, Texas. An opportunity to visit and a light meal will be provided afterwards.

Interment will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hope Hospice of New Braunfels, 611 N. Walnut Ave., New Braunfels, Texas 78130.