JAMES E. "PETE" MITCHEM

Mr. James E. “Pete” Mitchem, age 91 of DeFuniak Springs passed away early Sunday afternoon at the family residence  surrounded by  family and friends.   He was born April 11, 1927 in Kinston, Alabama, the son of Horace Jerry Mitchem and Zella Mae Paul Mitchem.    Pete moved with his father and brother, Orell to the DeFuniak Springs area and helped in the family logging business.    He served his country in the United States Military right at the close of World War II and was discharged after Basic Training and Advanced Infantry Training as the war was winding down.   He married Lillian Nelson on July 9, 1947…some 71 years ago..which sounds a lot like a marriage made in Heaven.   Pete was a family man, never speaking ill of any person, with a kind heart and most importantly a man who many years ago accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.  He retired from the Army Corps of Engineers where he was a heavy equipment operator leaving a record of never being late for work.     He was a 50 year member of DeFuniak Springs Lodge  # 170 where he was a Past Worshipful Master. Pete and Lillian and their family are members of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church even though failing health has prevented regular attendance.  He is predeceased by his mother and father , his Step Mother, Cora Mitchem and his  Brother Orell Mitchem.

Among survivors are his wife, Lillian Nelson Mitchem; his children, Becky Skipper,  Lonnie Nelson and wife Sandra, Tommy  “Tuffy”  Mitchem, Sr.  and wife Donna and Robert “Tinker” Mitchem.  His grandchildren: Jennifer Chisholm and husband Jerry, Susan Menser, Tommy Mitchem, Jr. and Grace Nelson;  great grandchildren: Connor, Michael, Mandy, Dustin, Deanna, Hunter, Wolfie, Blaze  and Saphie; great great grandson, Elijah;   brother, Jody Mitchem and wife Marie; sister-in-law Betty Crim; and a host devoted nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Floral arrangements are being accepted.  Among those asked to serve as pallbearers are Gary Nelson, Buster Adkinson, Ronnie Gainey, Rusty Gainey, Doug Cosson, Jerry Cosson and Jim Cosson.  A time of visitation will be Thursday, November 29, 2018 from 10 until 11 A.M. in Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church with the funeral beginning at 11 A.M. with Reverend Mahlon LeCroix  and Dr. James Johnson officiating.    Masonic Graveside Services will follow in the Mitchem Family Plot in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery.