John M. Mitchell, Sr.

John M. Mitchell, Sr., 86, born and raised in Detroit, MI and most recently of North Syracuse, NY, went home to be with the Lord on November 25, 2021. John was born on October 24, 1935 in Detroit, MI to Dr. W. Bede and Juanita Mitchell. He joined the military where he proudly served for 11 years in both the Army and Air Force. He then was called to be a Pastor and attended Seminary at Baptist Bible Seminary in Johnson City, NY and eventually earned his Doctorate in Biblical Studies. John went on to serve for over 50 years as a Pastor at several churches in New York and Pennsylvania. He was loved by people of all the churches in which he served. His life verse was Second Corinthians 4:5 and reflected his ministry of preaching the Gospel and serving people. John was a humble, gentle person who loved his family, the people he served and his Savior, Jesus Christ.

He enjoyed reading, music, baseball, football, humor and learning about church history and Baptist history. Nothing was more important to him than preaching and teaching God's word.

John was predeceased by his parents, Dr. W. Bede and Juanita Mitchell; three brothers, W. Bede Mitchell, Jr., William Mitchell and Stuart Mitchell and his first wife of 51 years and the mother of his children, Ina C. (Livingston) Mitchell.

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen (Nicholas) Auringer Mitchell; children, John M. (Donna) Mitchell, Jr., Jennifer DeCrescenzo, Stephen (Robin) Mitchell, Laureen (Chris) Poborsky and April (Dan) Lutz; grandchildren, Alex, Danae, Shana, Amber, Marc Anthony, Seth, Luke, Olivia, Savanna, Cayla, Chris, Cal, John, Kari and Josiah; 13 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service celebrating John's life will be held on Saturday, December 4th at 1PM at Grace Baptist Church of Pennellville, 17 Oneida River Road, Pennellville, NY. Burial with military honors will be held on Tuesday, December 7th at 11am in Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 4069 Howlett Hill Road, Syracuse, NY 13215. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Grace Baptist Church.

Ephesians 2:8-10
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

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