James Nelson Mitchell, 86, of Smithfield, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 17, surrounded by his loving family at SECU Hospice House.

Born August 12, 1939, in Johnston County, he was the son of the late Nathan Edgar Mitchell and Eunice Whitley Mitchell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, N.E. Mitchell, Jr., and brothers-in-law Tony Woodard, Bobby Davis, and Buster Creech.

Nelson was the founder of Mitchell Concrete Products, which he established in 1970. He remained actively involved in the business until his sudden illness. When he wasn't at the concrete plant, he could usually be found outdoors—working on the farm, on a piece of equipment, sitting in a deer stand, or fishing. He especially enjoyed spending time at the family's beach house at Cape Carteret.

In the mornings, Nelson was often found at one of his favorite local restaurants, The Frying Pan or Holt Lake Grill, enjoying breakfast, socializing, and catching up with several of his buddies on the men's gossip.

Nelson was a lifelong member of Sardis Baptist Church, where he faithfully served for many years as a deacon and member of the Board of Trustees. He also currently served on the Board of Directors for the Brogden Fire Department.

Above all, Nelson was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and a friend to many.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Brenda Mitchell; his son, Jamie Mitchell (Angie) of Smithfield; sisters Barbara Woodard and Brenda Braswell (Rink);  sisters-in-law Sandy Mitchell, Fran Davis, Cheryl Mozingo, and Debbie Grider (Wesley); grandchildren Brittany Thomas (Heath) and Blake Mitchell (Taylor); great-grandchildren Tucker Thomas and Julia Kate Mitchell; his canine companion Chloe; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at Parrish Funeral Home on Sunday, December 21, 2025, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. A funeral service will follow at 5:00 p.m. in the chapel. Burial will take place on Monday, December 22, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Sardis Baptist Church Cemetery, Brogden Road.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the SECU Hospice House: Johnston Health Foundation re: Hospice Fund PO Box 1376 Smithfield, NC 27577, Sardis Baptist Church: 5444 Brogden Road Smithfield, NC 27577, or Brogden Fire Department: 7236 Brogden Road Smithfield, NC 27577.