Jackie Jean Mitchell

Jackie Jean Mitchell was born in Cairo, Ill on June 4, 1923. Jack was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and drummer. He served in the military during World War II in the Air Force band. His career included 30 years as an exporter and many years in sales. Jack was also an inventor and author. He invented numerous board games for children and adults that were produced and sold around the country such as the popular "Know Your America" and "I Believe in Santa Claus." He loved to use his children and grandchildren as his game "testers." After retirement, Jack moved to Arkansas where he joined and later led the Bella Vista Big Band. It ultimately became the Jack Mitchell Big Band. He led the band for almost twenty years, leading it to perform at both of President Bill Clinton?s inaugural balls in Washington, D.C. He was recognized for his lifetime of musical achievement when he was inducted into the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame in 2007. After moving to Cleveland, Jack continued to use his artistic skills ? playing drums on a regular basis in the Broad St UMC contemporary service as well as with the Greater Cleveland jazz band, and by taking courses at Lee University. Jack had a deep and abiding faith. He was active in church throughout his life serving in many leadership and musical roles. He was currently an active member of Broad Street United Methodist Church. It is a faith he has shared and passed on to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Jack is survived by Bettye, the great love of his life and his wife of 66 years. He is also survived by his six children, Jackie and husband Jim Frye of Cleveland, TN, Libby and husband Tom Perry of Forsyth, GA, Troy and wife Mary of Austin, TX, Curt of Cleveland, TN, Dan and wife Barbara of Overland Park, KS, and Tom and wife Jeanette of Overland Park, KS. Jack also left behind 11 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. His grandchildren were Mary Hambleton (Evan) of West Chester, PA, Sara Christi (Chris) of Nashville, TN, Rebecca Lay (Andy) of Cleveland, TN, Matthew Perry (Anna Ryan) of Forsyth, GA, Mitchell Perry (Tarver), of Macon, GA, Bryan Mitchell currently serving in Afghanistan, Marilyn Mitchell of Park Forest, IL, Tim Harte, Mike Harte, and Brandon Mitchell, all of Overland Park, KS, and Drew Mitchell of Austin, TX. His great-grandchildren were Knox and Ella Hambleton, A. J. Lay, Jillian Harte, Jack and McGahran Perry, Will Perry and one great-grandchild who is soon to arrive. His grandchildren thought he was the very best granddaddy ever. He is also survived by his brother Randall and his wife Carol, of Oceanside, CA, his little sister Alice Fisher, of Franklin, TN, and numerous nieces and nephews. Jack was larger than life, quick with a joke, and a friend to everyone. He could often be found with a drumstick in his hand or tapping on any surface he could find. He never saw a problem, only an opportunity to try something new. He had a quiet generosity and he loved Christmas. Many children had a wonderful Christmas morning who would have done without because of him. Jack will be greatly missed, but fondly remembered by everyone who knew and loved him. Funeral services will be conducted at 12 noon on Tuesday, October 25, 2011 in the chapel of Ralph Buckner Funeral Home with Reverend Reed Shell and Reverend Debbie Stokes officiating. There will be a private interment at Chattanooga National Cemetery with a white dove release ceremony concluding the service. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. His family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Monday, October 24, 2011 at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Broad Street United Methodist Church, 155 Central Avenue, Cleveland, TN 37311. We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Mitchell family guestbook at www.ralphbuckner.com.