Kelly Jackson Mitchell

Kelly Jackson Mitchell, a dedicated public servant, proud veteran, and passionate garden grower and bbq enthusiast, passed away on July 8, 2026, in Pasadena, California. He was 93 years old.

Born on December 25, 1932, in Henderson, Tennessee, Kelly was the son of Frank Mitchell and Katie Lee Thomas.

Wallace and Dovie Thomas, grandparents of Kelly, raised him from infant until 17 years of age. He confessed Christ at 12 years of age into the Baptist faith. Chester County Training School is where Kelly attended High School. While in the military, he obtained his GED.

In 1951, Kelly enlisted in the United States Military as a gunner’s mate. He served from 1951- 1971. His time in service reflected his enduring commitment to helping others and his steadfast sense of duty.

Following his military career, Kelly brought a diverse professional background. He quickly started boxing pro in San Diego. After he left his boxing career, he became a maintenance supervisor, solar power installer, and a BBQ business owner he shared with a close friend. In 1993, Kelly went into retirement.

As a public servant, Kelly served as V.P. of Altadena Fraternal Order of Eagle's, a private national organization with a long history of doing great things for the community. The organization host events to raise funds for community needs, donate funds to local schools and much more.

Kelly was naturally funny, he talked calmly with a low and not too loud voice which still somehow can always be heard. You can feel he was not trying to fake some other personality or too much energy; he was just being himself, saying some random stuff that came to his head and just because he said it, made it funny.

He loved entertaining, catching up with loved ones on the phone, sharing his adventures, sleek suits, shrimp fried rice with extra shrimp and green onions, his navy hat, jalapeños, pet mule, Big Bob, and most importantly, women.

On July 8, 2026, at 5:18 a.m. Kelly slipped away from this earthly life.

He was preceded in death by his parents Frank Mitchell and Katie Lee Thomas; his grandparents Wallace and Dovie Thomas; his son Michael A. Mitchell; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins whose memories he honored through storytelling, keepsakes, and meaningful acts of service.

He leaves to cherish his memory with a host of relatives and friends. Kelly’s legacy is one of service-to country, community, and family-and of passion for the stories that shape who we are. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him. He will be missed by many.