James P. Mitchell

James P. Mitchell, 90, long-time resident of Wolfforth, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, November 26, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.  James was born on September 27, 1933, in Snyder, Scurry County, Texas, to the late P. C. Mitchell and Mary (Jenkins) Mitchell.

He attended Frenship Schools, graduating with the senior class of 1952.  Following high school graduation, he attended Texas Tech University studying agriculture.  James served his country in the United States Army and received an honorable discharge.

James met the love of his life, Sylvia Wright, and they were united in marriage on November 6, 1954, in New Deal, Texas.  Out of the blessed union, they received a beautiful daughter and son.  He was a family man, loving his kids, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  When he had time, he loved to fish and take his kids to the lake to ski.

James raised show pigs, sheep and cattle for FFA and 4-H kids.  He raised many show animals and numerous went on to be champions.  He concentrated on breeding programs and genetics to help make the species line the best. 

James was a true farmer at heart for over 70 years.  He was involved in Research and Development regarding irrigation and the conservation of water.  He served as a Board member and President of the High Plains Underground Water District for over 30 years.  He was also a Director for the Plains Co-Op Oil Mill, Director and President of the Frenship Co-Op Gin, and was a school board trustee for the Frenship ISD.  James also served on the Wolfforth Chamber of Commerce, founded the South Plains Hog Market, and was named the Conservation Farmer of the Year for the Texas Agricultural Extension in 1985.  He was a long-time member of the Caregiver’s Sunday School Class in Wolfforth and New Home Baptist Church.

Those left to honor and cherish his memory include his wife; one daughter, Cindy Stephens and her husband Steve, along with children Chelsey Groves, Seth Stephens (Julie); one son, Kevin Mitchell and his wife Tammy, along with children Mikka James (Chris), Shea Askew (Brady), Morgan Saint (Jeff), Hailey Hogg (Cody), Merritt Hammonds (Preston), and 19 great-grandchildren; one sister, Martha Hutcheson of Wolfforth; one brother, Bill Mitchell and his wife Elaine of Lubbock; a sister-in-law, Yvonne Heath of Lubbock; a brother-in-law, Mike Wright and his wife Tina of Wolfforth, along with a host of extended family members and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and one sister, Zelda Comer.

A visitation for James will be held from 5 PM to 7 PM on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at the Venue on Broadway of Combest Family Funeral Home, 2202 Broadway.  Funeral services will be held at 10 AM on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at the New Home Baptist Church in New Home.  Pastors L. J. Wright and Calvin Gray will be the officiants.  Final rites and interment will be held in Resthaven Memorial Park under the personal care and direction of Combest Family Funeral Homes.

Pallbearers will be Seth Stephens, Chris James, Jeff Saint, Brady Askew, Preston Hammonds and Cody Hogg.

The family wants to give a very special thank you to Martha Watkins.  She took such good care of Mr. James and he loved her.  We also want to thank the wonderful nurses at Hospice of Lubbock.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in memory of James to the New Home Baptist Church.