James Everett Mitchell

To view the graveside service for Jim click here.

James (Jim) Everett Mitchell passed away suddenly on January 11th, 2025 in San Bernardino, CA. He was visiting family in the area for Christmas and became ill.

Jim was born and raised in Pocatello, ID where he graduated from Pocatello High in 1953 and then attended college at Idaho State University studying Engineering. Before he was able to finish college, he met the first love of his life Valerie K. Hill. He joined the United States Army and on his leave he and Val were married.

Jim and Val established their home in Rigby, ID where he was a business owner of the Ace Hardware store on Main Street. They worked side-by-side in the hardware store and Val’s Mod’rn Day dress shop for over 30 years and decided to retire both businesses in 1996. They then decided retirement wasn't for them and made their dream a reality by building Big Jim's RV & Large Storage. Jim was so proud of the storage units, he loved spending winters in Arizona, enjoyed traveling the World, playing tennis, and being around family.

After 51 years of marriage, Val passed away in 2009. Jim was able to find the second love of his life, Ellee DePersia. They were married in 2011 and spent most of their time living in Mesa, Arizona. Jim enjoyed playing tennis, performing and practicing for choir concerts, extensive traveling, many trips in the motorhome, and visiting family.

Jim loved his family fiercely and was a man of God. He loved watching his grandchildren grow families of their own and great-grandkids sing and play sports. He was the perfect example of how to live life to the fullest and his stories and life lessons will be missed greatly!

Jim is survived by his spouse Ellee DePersia, daughter Lindsi (Dale), step-daughters, Laura, Christine, Nicole (Neal), Dionne (Bryan), daughter-in-law Holly, grandchildren, Liza Shippen, Riley Shippen, Chelsea Crouse and great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his 1st wife Valerie, son Devron, granddaughter Morgan, sister Jaqueline, parents and father-in-law and mother-in law.

A celebration of life will be held March 8th 2025, in Arizona. Graveside services in Rigby will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Rigby Pioneer Cemetery (4023 E 300 N Rigby, ID 83442).