Jack Mitchell

Jack L. Mitchell, 74, of Great Falls, died on January 6, 2014 at his residence.Visitation will be at Schnider Funeral Home on Friday, January 10, 2014 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. His funeral liturgy will be at the Malmstrom AFB Fire Station Building on Saturday, January 11, 2014 at 10:00 a.m., with interment to follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Schnider Funeral Home is handling arrangements.Jack was born December 11, 1939, son of Carl E. and Gladys Mitchell in Chambers, Nebraska. He was the first born of eight children, and grew up in Wichita, KS. Jack attended All Saints Catholic School before joining the Air Force at the age of 17, While stationed at Chicksands AFB, UK, he met the love of his life, Patricia Willoughby; they married February 28, 1961.He proudly served in the Air Force for over 20 years, including a tour in Vietnam. He was Air Search and Rescue on an HH43 as a paramilitary medic. He received several medals, including Distinguished Flying Cross. After traveling with the Air Force, he settled in Great Falls, Montana in 1974. He retired at Malmstrom AFB in 1977. Following his retirement, Jack was the fire chief at Malmstrom AFB, holding that job for over 22 years.He loved camping with his family, Montana, fishing, and was a talented artist.Survivors include his wife, Patricia Mitchell of Great Falls; son John (Lisa) Mitchell of Las Vegas, NV; daughter Tina Mitchell of Great Falls; brothers Carl Mitchell and Robert Mitchell, both of Wichita, KS, Steve (Pat) Mitchell of Wheatland, WY, Kirk (Anna Beth) Mitchell of Smoot, WY, and Rick (Debbie) Mitchell of Lawrence, KS; sisters Kathy Mitchell of Springdale, AR and Patty (Larry) Pelto of Three Rivers, MI; grandchildren Scott, Maggie, Hannah and Seth Mitchell, all of Las Vegas; numerous nieces and nephews; Dave, Darcy, Ellie and Molly Crum (his Great Falls family); and his beloved dog Pongo.He was preceded in death by his parents.Memorials are suggested to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 409 13th St S, Great Falls, MT 59405.