James Anthony “Bolo” Mitchell
8/14/1953 – 9/30/2018
So Long, James, for Now!
Born in Indianapolis, August 14,1953 to Orlander Mitchell, Sr. and Lillian Lawrence, our beloved, James Anthony “Bolo” Mitchell, Son, Stepfather, Brother, Uncle, and General Motors retiree, ended his fierce fight against cancer, and was gathered into the loving arms of Christ JESUS, on September 30, 2018.
James’s education was certainly not limited to the Indianapolis High School he attended, but James’s journey took him places where he acquired an abundance of life skills. And on these talents, he decided how he was going to live his life and on what terms. Subsequently, he worked diligently all his life to maintain a standard of living which afforded him respect. In spite of life’s challenges he completed a career with General Motor, beginning in Indiana and retiring in Columbus, Ohio.
James touched the lives of his family, friends and countless acquaintances with the irresistible energy of his personality, his fierce loyalty and the amazing size of his beautiful heart. Never dressed other than to impress, James often appeared as if he had just stepped from an Ebony Magazine centerfold.
Possessing an amazing gift of gab and comedy genius, his talent to speak on ‘whatever was going on’ with his family, friends or anyone in the community —whether it was sad, mad, joyful or painful —is legendary.
James was a devoted step-father to the children of the late Rochelle Williams(Mitchell) and Tanya Jones (Mitchell). Out of the deep love he had for his baby sister, Lillian Mitchell, who left us in 1984, James committed to the nurturing upbringing of her only son, Terrence Mitchell for a long season and remained his protector up to the minute of his passing. For the past three years James’s life partner was Alecia Gaddis.
James tragically began his bout with cancer from a seemingly benign throat condition. With poise, pride, swagger, humor, and so much strength, James battled the day–to-day demands of his illness for several years. When new complications were diagnosed, James began an aggressive treatment program in Columbus that would have been continued in Indianapolis under the loving care of his brothers and sisters. However, GOD always has the real plan, and James was lovingly folded into his true Father’s embrace before he could return home.
Entering eternal sleep before James are: mother, Lillian Lawrence Mitchell, and sister, Lillian Pauline Mitchell. Still in our journey, though so brokenhearted are: father: Orlander Mitchell, Sr.; sisters: Ella Maxine Phelps and Monique Alberta Louise Manning-Jones; brothers: Paul Raymond Manning, and his younger brother, and best friend throughout life, Orlander Mitchell, Jr., cousins, Marthalynn Carol Kinnebrew, and Gregory Kinnebrew.
Nieces and Nephews: Tina J. Allen-Spells, Darryl W. Allen, Cheryl D. Allen, David D. Phelps, Paula Manning Middlewood, Monique Alberta Manning-Jones, Michael Audre Manning (Deceased) Michelle A, Haselwood-White, Ayshai I. Jones, Kenny Mitchell, (deceased) Timeka Mitchell-Harvey, Orlander Mitchell, III, Aaron Hopgood, Brian Combs, James Mitchell, Julie Hopgood, Juan Mitchell, Tara Mitchell-Keller, Terrence Mitchell.
Stepchildren: Evette Williams, Violet Williams, Duwana Lewis, Darryl Jones, Dansha Jones (deceased), Danyel Jones.
For certain, James has left behind a huge family and a multitude of friends who are agonizing over a future without his invigorating conversations, always blessed with his precious grin. But most wonderful of all, we have enshrined in gold and diamonds, the love and laughter he gave us throughout our lives, leaving us fabulously wealthy and forever enriched.