August 30, 1968 - April 4, 2009
Jeffrey James Mitchell
Yesterday morning I received a call from my mom telling me that Jeff had died. Unfortunately the home he was living in had burned down while he slept. As my heart breaks for my youngest brother and the rest of Jeff's family I have reflected about the past and about Jeff and the role he has had in my life. My mom and Jeff married when I was 12. And this man took upon himself the responsibility of husband and father of 4 children. He did this at the mere age of just 20 years old. I can only now imagine the burden he carried. I am sure that I didn't make it any easier for him either as I was not happy about the marriage.
I now would like to share some of the great things about Jeff.
Jeff worked hard!
He always worked hard even when it was very physically challenging for him, to provide for his family.
Jeff loved the outdoors!
He took us hunting, camping, 4-wheeling, shooting, and helped us to learn to love the outdoors. Even the very far away outdoors! Who knew that Deep Creek could be so much fun!
Jeff was an awesome cook!
I had never liked fish or wild game until Jeff cooked it. He had lost most of his taste buds because of medications to treat his allergies and so everything he cooked was very seasoned. Deer, goose, duck, catfish, and so much more always tasted great when he cooked. When we were out camping it was common for us to shoot cotton-tail and grouse and cook it over a fire and sometimes it was our favorite meals. BTW it really does taste like chicken ... with lots of flavor.
Jeff looked out for his family!
You don't mess with family. I knew that as long as Jeff was around that you didn't mess with us and expect to get away with it.
Jeff could fix most anything!
Even though sometimes it may have been with duct tape! LOL He was very mechanical and would work to fix up vehicles and other things in his spare time.
Jeff saw a lot of this country!
And he loved all of it. He was an OTR truck driver and seemed to enjoy it. He didn't complain about it and when he was home he didn't complain about having to drive to other places even though that was what he did all week.
It has been quite a few years since I have seen Jeff. The last time I saw him was at his wedding reception and as I walked up to him his eyes filled with tears and he told me he loved me and gave me a big hug! I knew that he still loved and cared for me and my siblings. Thank you Jeff for your all you have given to us and taught us. To his family my feelings for you are to feel love and peace in his passing.
5 Say Something:
Thanks so much for posting this... I stared at my computer for about 30 minutes and kept deleting what I wrote, I will try again but you said it all!
Becki, I'm so sorry to hear that. What a tragedy. My prayers are with you and your family.
oh Becki I am so sorry! What a beautiful post. You will be in my prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss. It is never easy. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May you know how much you mean to us. We love you tremendously.
This is absolutely the most rendering of a man we used to call Dad, grandpa, honey, etc... This is the real man. Becki your eloquence in writing this is so above board. Thank the good Lord above for your memories and love.
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