William J. “Jack” Mitchell

Jack Mitchell, 69, of Lewes, passed away April 28, 2022 with his partner and his children by his side, after a years-long battle with heart failure. Jack was born February 25, 1953, and raised in the Forty Acres neighborhood of Wilmington. He attended St. Ann’s Elementary and Delcastle Technical High School.

He spent his whole career with ICI/Astra Zeneca where he started as a graphic designer straight out of high school, working his way up to shipping pharmaceuticals around the world. It was here where he met Judy, his future wife of 36 years. Later, retiring as the head of logistics in the Research and Development Division.

Jack was a dedicated family man. He was a master griller, and could be found manning the grill on countless Sunday dinners and family cookouts. He was a proud craftsman who constructed several projects for the family home, a skill which he inherited from his father. He was passionate about his lawn and garden and mentored neighbors, coworkers, and finally his son, Jack III on growing a proper lawn and vegetable garden.

For many years, Jack and Judy took trips with friends, including whitewater rafting and NHRA drag racing.

Jack had many interests, but his greatest was The Three Stooges. He was a Stooge aficionado and would bend the ear of anyone available to share his deep knowledge of “the boys.”

Jack loved cars – antiques, classics and hot rods– and was the proud owner of a 1938 Chevy Hot Rod that won awards all over the state. He also served as Vice President of the Bay Area Hot Rods Club for several years.

He was a big rock ‘n roll fan and attended many concerts with his wife Judy and then later with his partner Karen. He loved Chicago, Van Halen, Rush, Jimi Hendrix and many others. But his favorite band by far was Genesis.

Jack was a long-suffering, but always hopeful, Cleveland Browns fan. It was always, “Next year is our year!”. He threw the same passion into coaching his sons in baseball, often forcing them to “throw 10 in a row” after school. He competed in bowling and softball leagues. He also served as an umpire, once calling out his son Michael, which led to a long ride home after the game. Jack, his sons and his late wife rescued, spayed/neutered and found homes for scores of cats. He enjoyed birdwatching, NASCAR, attending car shows and art exhibits, and his annual pilgrimage to Fort Myers Beach with his partner.

He was a devout Catholic. He served as an altar boy as a child and eventually became a Third Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus, while also serving as an usher in his church.

Jack was a true community servant. He was president of the Llangollen Estates Civic Association for many years and was an inaugural member of the Senators Subdivision Architectural Board.

Jack was predeceased by his parents and his beloved wife Judy. He is survived by and deeply missed and loved by those he treasured most: His life partner Karen McGrath, his sons Jack III (Kara) and Michael, his adopted daughter Madeline (Jacob) and his grandbabies Emilyn and Bennett. He is also survived by his sister Cindy (Jimmy), his brother Chris (Jennifer), and his half-sister Lainey. He will be sorely missed by family and friends too numerous to mention.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11 am on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church, 345 Bear-Christiana Road Bear, DE, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 am. Entombment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jack’s name to the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, 100 West Tenth Street, Suite 209, Wilmington DE 19801 or by clicking here.