Obituary
James Mitchell
James Mitchell, 74, of La Crescent, MN and Haines City FL, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2025.
Many of Jim’s friends called him Mitch, and he had so many friends! Jim was able to engage with strangers and made fast friends. Everybody loved him, especially his family. Jim was born on October 1, 1950, to Albin and Eileen (Lunke) Mitchell in La Crosse. After Jim graduated from Logan High School in 1968, he joined the Army where he earned several sharpshooter badges. Jim was a storyteller and shared insights into what being in the army was like. He could tell you why it was important to keep your sleeping bag away from moving parts while you slept in the crane cab, and what the cab looked like if you didn’t.
Jim married Sandra Kendhammer on August 31, 1974. They spent many happy years together raising their children Kim and Chad. They made many memories of their yearly summer vacations, decorating the family Christmas tree and hosting many family and neighborhood parties. Jim was the best son-in-law, brother-in-law and uncle that anyone could imagine. Jim and Sandy continued to have many traveling adventures until Sandy’s illness. Jim took exceptional care of Sandy until her passing on January 4, 2003.
Jim worked for Trane Company in La Crosse for 41 years where he was in charge of the tool crib, worked as an inspector, machinist, trucker, and numerous other jobs. Jim loved to pull pranks on his coworkers and enjoyed making others laugh. After retirement, he never missed the work but missed the people and the hundreds of friendships he made over the years.
In 2008, Jim met Karen Starch at a gathering of current and former Trane employees, and they were married in 2010. Jim gained four stepdaughters, and eventually nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, in addition to the five grandchildren he had when they met. Jim was the best father and grandfather. He knew how to make each family event meaningful, fun and enjoyable. Jim loved watching his grandchildren play in marching bands, sporting events, or whatever interests they had. His grandchildren meant the world to him.
In 2010, Jim retired and spent more time with his family and friends. Golfing, socializing, and tinkering on projects with his Son-In-Laws were just a few things he enjoyed. Splitting time between La Crosse, WI and La Crescent, MN and Haines City, FL meant he was able to spread knowledge and laughter to everyone he loved. Jim was the kind of fella who knew a little bit about everything and was an avid collector of many things (especially Hot Wheels). But mainly he collected the hearts of those around him, and he will forever be missed.
Jim was predeceased by his first wife Sandy, his parents Albin & Eileen and brother David Mitchell. He is survived by his daughter Kim Sather and grandchildren Austin, Mason and Madeline, son Chad, (Carol) and grandchildren Cassandra and Owen, his wife, Karen, and her children, Tara Young, Tabithe Dayton, Tessa Loken (Perry) and Tia Woodard (Eric), and grandchildren Andrew, Abigail, Griffith, Tavian, Mark, Ingrid, Sonja, Amelia and Stella, and great-grandchildren, Aurora, Axel, Juniper, and Delilah.
A celebration of life will be held in Florida at Lake Henry Estates clubhouse on February 19th between 2:00 and 4:00.
A celebration of life for family and friends in WI will be held Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 1-3:00 pm at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason St. Onalaska, WI 54650.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Legion.
Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.
Enjoyed Jim for years, will miss him he always was happy and great to be around
I will miss you We did a lot of things together You and Karen
Jim was such a good man he will be missed greatly
We were so lucky to meet Jim and have him and Karen as our friends. We will miss him so much! 🤗💜
Jim was a dedicated stepfather who took his responsibilities seriously, and he was also a fun-loving jokester, a positive role model, and a skilled shopper. Jim’s ability to make my mom laugh was priceless, and he understood that spending time doing what he loved with the people who mattered most was truly valuable. Jim’s smile will be a cherished memory, and he will be deeply missed.
Ellen and I offer our deepest condolences to you, Karen. Jim was a special guy. It seemed like he could strike up a conversation with anyone. You and him were a match made in heaven. I can’t imagine how much you’ll miss him.
Sorry to learn about Jim passing. We always enjoyed being and visiting with Jim and Karen. Remember how Jim loved to shop all year for his family. We will pray for Karen and the family for comfort. God bless you. Love Charley and Olive White
Sending Prayers and Condolences to Jim’s Wife and Family at this Sad Time. I worked with Jim for many years at Trane Company.
Loved to see Jim at water aerobics. He always was so kind , had a smile on his face and gave me encouragement. His presence is missed. May God be with you and comfort you.
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing, remember him from early family get together as his brother David was my brother in law.
Karen and family,
We are sorry to hear of the loss of Jim, may he RIP
Danny and Diane Tebaldi
Karen, my heart breaks for you. You remain in my thoughts and prayers. Big hugs Viv
Karen Jim was a true friend to Bonnie and I Our heart goes out to you If there is any thing that we can do we can. He was a heck of a guy and always had a happy attitude and fun to talk to. GODBLESS. Bonnie and Ed Laxton.