James Fletcher (BUD) Mitchell, age 84, resident of State Highway 6&19, PO Box 262, Cambridge Springs, PA, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, December 6, 2012 following an extended illness. Born in Rockdale Township, Crawford County on March 9, 1928, Bud was a son of the late, Morris A. Mitchell and Kate Frink Mitchell and was a lifelong resident of Cambridge Springs. On January 26, 1952, Bud married the former Kathryn Bogda and she survives.
Following his graduation from Cambridge Springs High School with Class of 1946, Bud attended Alliance College for two years in the Engineering Program. At the age of 16, Bud began working at Carnation Can Plant in Cambridge Springs and at the age of 17, Bud received a student pilot’s license. His employment continued as a teletype operator for the Erie Lackawanna Railroad for 21 years and for Lord Corporation in Cambridge Springs as a quality controller for 19 years. Bud also owned Mitchell Monuments in Cambridge Springs from 1962 until his retirement in 1987.
Bud was the oldest living member of the Cambridge Springs First Baptist Church, was a past member of Cambridge IOOF Lodge, was a life member of Cambridge Springs Covenant Masonic Lodge, and belonged to the Zem Zem Temple Shrine, Erie Consistory.
Although Bud’s mother grew up in the South with 18 siblings, he was her only child. His southern hospitality transformed many friendships into that of family. As an avid outdoorsman, Bud shared his love for hunting, trapping, and fishing with his many friends, especially with Dick Shorts with whom he formed a brotherly bond. Well known was his love for the beach and camping; thus, he divided his time living between Ocean Isle Beach, NC and the RV Village located in Mercer, PA.
Surviving Bud, in addition to his wife, Katie, of 60 years are three children – Theresa A. Parillo of Pittsburgh; Mick Mitchell and his wife, Cindy of Saegertown; and Sandy Rademacher and her husband, Greg of Saegertown. Also, Bud is survived by four grandchildren -Michelle Hampton and her husband, Justin; Jennifer DeLaTorre and her husband, Jordan; Garrett Rademacher; and Courtney Rademacher and her fianc???, Matthew Daly; and three great grandchildren – Zoey, Gianna and Cerissa Hampton.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home in Cambridge Springs on Sunday from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. and are invited to attend a funeral service there on Monday morning at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Rod Beardsley, pastor of the First Baptist Church, officiating. Interment will be in Millers Station Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Crawford County Hospice or the First Baptist Church Memorial Fund.
Bud was my first cousin, the only child of my Aunt Kate and Uncle Morris. I remember we visited Pa around Christmas time when I was 8 or 9. Bud had traps on French Creek. He took me along w/him to check the traps. It was cold and snowing some. Bud was a warm and giving guy. I’ll always remember my cousin. RIP
Katie and Mick,
I only found out this past Saturday (October 19, 2013) that Bud had passed away last December. I feel terrible about your loss and would have liked to attended his service had I known. Bud was a friend and a mentor to me, and I truly cherish the time we spent together trapping and hunting in Cambridge Springs and in Tionesta. When I think of my youth and the greatest influences on my life Bud and Dick Shorts are the top two that I will always remember, and wish that I would have thanked so much more while they were both here with us. Bud was truly a kind, patient, generous and warm human being. I am truly grateful to have known him and learned so much from him. I will miss him dearly!
Stosh (Walt Krasneski)
Kate, Mick, and family,
My thoughts and prayers to you on losing Bud.
I will never forget the many happy days spent with Bud and Mick.
I truly admired him.
Keith Brink
Katie and family,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Bud was a great guy, full of laughter. Great co-worker. I will always remember the time Bud cooked the best looking eggs in the oven at work.
Katie and family–I enjoyed knowing and working with Bud. Although I am far away from Cambridge Springs now (in Florida), I am sending my deepest sympathy to you and your family. Bud was a great guy and had everyone’s respect, and he leaves behind many memories that will comfort us all in our thoughts of him.
In remembrance,
Charlie Houpt
Katie & family – I just learned of Bud’s death; and although I haven’t seen you or Bud in recent years, the memories of visiting with all of you in Cambridge Springs and being there with Bud’s parents on their country property provided me with some very cherished memories. I hope you all are well – Blessings and peace.
Mrs. Mitchell, Theresa, and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. So sorry for your loss. May God bless you with the peace and comfort only He can offer at this time of fresh grief and during the days ahead.
Sincerely,
Diana and Brian Wilcox
Theresa,
Please know that we are with you in our thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
“Each life is a miracle that changes the world…and leaves it a better place than it was before.”
Remembering your special Dad.
Harold and Barbara Zabady
Katie, Micky, Cindy and Sandy and Families,
Our hearts go out to you in the loss of your husband and father. Cherish all of your memories and keep them close to your heart. We wish we could be with you to comfort you at this sad time. Know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Wolfes
Iliene, Debra, DeWayne, Don, David and Diane and Families