Obituary: Mitchell

Jack Eugene Mitchell, 90, Fairbury, died at 4:50 am Thursday, January 1, 2026 at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington.

Visitation will be 3:00 to 5:00 pm Wednesday, January 7, 2026 followed by a memorial service at 5:00 pm at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury with Pastor Alan Willadsen officiating.  

Memorials may be directed to the First Presbyterian Church, Fairbury, or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Jack was born January 5, 1935 in Terre Haute, IN the son of Virgil and Margaret Simpson Mitchell.  He married Shirley Jacob on June 20, 1959 in Quincy, IL.  She survives in Fairbury.

Other survivors include two sons, Michael (Kelley Hunt) Mitchell, Groveland, Curt (Sheila) Mitchell, Westmont, four grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by one sister, Betty Putnam.

Jack was a 1954 graduate of Pekin High School earning an Allstate honorable mention in football.  He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Illinois State University, Normal and was the football team’s co-captain.  In 1967 he received his Master’s degree from the University of Illinois.

After graduation Jack went on to teach and coach at Fairbury-Cropsey High School (1959-1966). During this time, he also served in the National Guard. In 1966 he became the Guidance Counselor at Fairbury-Cropsey until the school consolidated in 1985.  He then served as Prairie Central High School’s Guidance Counselor from 1985 until his retirement in June, 1994.  

Jack was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Fairbury having served on many committees and projects as well as being a Deacon, Elder, Clerk of Session and member of the choir for 30 years.

He was a member of the Illinois Retired Teacher Association, past member of the Illinois High School Counselors Association, Indian Creek Golf Club and served on the board of directors.  Jack was an avid golfer, Cardinal, and Bear fan who enjoyed spending time with his family.