James Arlyn Mitchell

October 31, 1952 – September 14, 2025

Kennewick, Washington

James Arlyn Mitchell, known as Jim to his family and Mitch to his friends, passed away peacefully at home in Kennewick on September 14, 2025. He was 72.

Jim was born on October 31, 1952, in Richland, Washington. He grew up on the south side of town surrounded by a tight-knit group of neighborhood boys, many of whom became lifelong friends. He had a quiet strength and steady sense of honor and discipline from a young age, traits that anyone who knew him would recognize. After graduating high school, he joined the United States Marine Corps, where those same values were deepened during his time in service. Jim's career spanned from working in the basement of the Richland Federal Building for Boeing Computer Services for 20 years to the 200 East Tank Farms of Hanford, where he retired as a Nuclear Operator in 2012.

In the summer of 1975, Jim met Randie Cary in the crowded My Place Tavern. From that point on, the two were rarely apart. They built a life full of love and laughter, shared over 49 years of marriage, had three children, and were blessed with five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

It was often joked that Jim was born a century too late, and he would've been right at home on horseback, driving cattle on a ranch. He was never happier than when he was outdoors. Whether it was casting a fishing line into the river, hiking into the mountains for a hunting trip, or just spending time with a loyal dog by his side, Jim felt most at peace under the open sky.

He also had a deep love for sports, especially the Seattle Mariners, whom he loyally supported through every heartbreaking season and thrilling win. Saturdays in the fall often included good-natured teasing with his daughter about WSU football, and he never passed up a chance to remind her when they "Coug'ed it." It was all in fun, and it was part of the way he showed his love - through connection, humor, and shared moments.

Jim's greatest joy, though, was his family. He was the kind of dad who taught his kids how to ride a bike, throw a ball, and bait a hook. As a grandfather, "Papa" was everything you could hope for. He passed down his love of the outdoors by teaching his grandkids to fish, build a campfire, and carry on a cherished Mitchell kid activity: feeding the ducks and geese at Columbia Park.

He was a steady presence, a quiet protector, and a source of strength for everyone who loved him.

Jim is survived by his wife Randie; their children Jason (Erlynn) Mitchell and Brianna (Greg) Hoffman; grandchildren Kamela (Conor), Riley, Brandon, and Morgan; and great-grandson Bowie. He's also survived by his sister, Linda (Bob) Moore, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Irene Mitchell; his siblings Mac (Shirley) Mitchell, Tom (Laurie) Mitchell, Sandra (Raymond) Hulburt, and William Mitchell; his son Brandon James; and his granddaughter Jaylynn.

Jim will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege to know him. His love, humor, and quiet wisdom leave a legacy that will live on for generations through his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.