John J. Mitchell

John J. Mitchell, 74, of Canton, passed away on August 17, 2025, at Aultman Compassionate Care Center, after a courageous four-year battle with leukemia.

He was born on September 30, 1950, in Tyler, Texas, to the late Joe Ike and Florence Gretchen (Callender) Mitchell. A 1969 graduate of Glenwood High School, John excelled in track and field before beginning his career with Baum Plumbing. He later went on to manage the service department at Computer World/Connecting Point, and most recently retired in 2021 from Plain Local Schools.

John’s greatest joy in life was his family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Mary Lou (Barkey) Mitchell; their children, Michelle (Ty) Newsome, Mara (Jeff) Frey, and Joe (Emily) Mitchell; and his beloved grandchildren, Brooke, Mitchell, Max, Colleen, Roslyn, and Ike. He is also survived by his brothers, Joe Mitchell (Rita Irmini) and Terry Mitchell (Barb Lowry). He will be fondly remembered by many extended family members and friends who cherished his presence and humor in their lives.

John spent many years playing on his church fumble ball team and enjoyed the fellowship it brought. He also gave much of his time and energy to his children's activities by coaching basketball and track, where he was excited to share his knowledge and experience. John also spent countless hours trying unsuccessfully to beat his grandchildren in the game of chess.

John was especially dedicated to his sister Sally Jo's health and without question donated his kidney.

He was also the first to step up and use his handyman skills to help out at the homes of his children, working on projects both big and small. His willingness to lend a hand, often without being asked, was a lasting expression of his love and devotion.

Beyond his work and family, John loved mowing on his tractor, listening to music, and spending time with his cat, Herbie. He found happiness in life’s simple pleasures.

John was preceded in death by his sister, Sally Jo.

Funeral services will be held Friday, September 5, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Divine Mercy Parish, St. Mary’s. Inurnment will be private at Saint Genevieve/Calamoutier Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital—causes close to John’s heart.

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