William J. Mitchell Jr., dedicated family man
William J. “Jack” Mitchell Jr., 69, of Lewes, passed away Thursday, April 28, 2022, with his partner and his children by his side, after a year-long battle with heart failure. Jack was born Feb. 25, 1953, and raised in the Forty Acres neighborhood of Wilmington. He attended St. Ann’s Elementary and Delcastle Technical High School.
He spent his whole career with ICI/Astra Zeneca where he started as a graphic designer straight out of high school, working his way up to shipping pharmaceuticals around the world. It was here where he met Judy, his future wife of 36 years. Later, he retired as head of logistics in the research and development division.
Jack was a dedicated family man. He was a master griller and could be found manning the grill on countless Sunday dinners and family cookouts. He was a proud craftsman who constructed several projects for the family home, a skill that he inherited from his father. He was passionate about his lawn and garden, and mentored neighbors, coworkers and finally his son, Jack III on growing a proper lawn and vegetable garden.
For many years, Jack and Judy took trips with friends, including whitewater rafting and NHRA drag racing.
Jack had many interests, but his greatest was “The Three Stooges.” He was a Stooge aficionado, and would bend the ear of anyone available to share his deep knowledge of “the boys.”
Jack loved cars, antiques, classics, and hot rods, and was the proud owner of a 1938 Chevy hot rod that won awards all over the state. He also served as vice president of the Bay Area Hot Rods Club for several years.
He was a big rock ‘n’ roll fan and attended many concerts with his wife, Judy, and then later with his partner, Karen. He loved Chicago, Van Halen, Rush, Jimi Hendrix and many others. But his favorite band by far was Genesis.
Jack was a long-suffering, but always hopeful, Cleveland Browns fan. It was always, “Next year is our year!” He threw the same passion into coaching his sons in baseball, often forcing them to throw 10 in a row after school. He competed in bowling and softball leagues. He also served as an umpire, once calling out his son Michael, which led to a long ride home after the game. Jack, his sons, and his late wife rescued, spayed/neutered, and found homes for scores of cats. He enjoyed bird-watching, NASCAR, attending car shows and art exhibits, and his annual pilgrimage to Fort Myers Beach with his partner.
He was a devout Catholic. He served as an altar boy as a child, and eventually became a 3rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, while also serving as an usher in his church.
Jack was a true community servant. He was president of the Llangollen Estates Civic Association for many years and was an inaugural member of the Senators subdivision architectural board.
Jack was predeceased by his parents and his beloved wife, Judy. He is survived by and deeply missed and loved by those he treasured most: his life partner, Karen McGrath; his sons, Jack III (Kara) and Michael; his adopted daughter, Madeline (Jacob); and his grandbabies, Emilyn and Bennett. He is also survived by his sister, Cindy (Jimmy); his brother, Chris (Jennifer); and his half-sister, Lainey. He will be sorely missed by family and friends too numerous to mention.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 to 11 a.m., Wednesday, May 11, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church, 345 Bear Christiana Road, Bear, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 a.m. Entombment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, consider a donation in Jack’s name to the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, 100 W. 10th St., Ste. 209, Wilmington DE 19801, debreastcancer.org.
To leave online condolences, visit spicermullikin.com.
