James Lamberton Mitchell

James Lamberton Mitchell (aka Jim) was born in Chicago, Illinois, 84 years ago. His family moved to Arizona after WWII where Jim attended Judson elementary school. Jim was an avid tennis player, winning the Arizona Tennis State championship at the age of 15. Jim graduated High School from Culver Military Academy. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in History from Stanford University. After Stanford Jim received a commission in the US Coast Guard. He was stationed in Panama as part of the US Small Craft Inspection and Training Team for which he received a Legion of Merit Medal. Upon discharge from the Coast Guard, Jim moved to Seattle and became a radio announcer. He moved to Sacramento as a TV consumer reporter. A few years later ABC hired Jim and he moved to Southern California where he was responsible for reporting news from the 11 western states. Jim resigned from ABC to form his own public relations company for solar energy projects. Jim met his wife Meryle in 1986 at a charity fundraiser for the Orange Country Chamber Music Orchestra. They resided in OC for many years, moving to Temecula in 2001. Jim was very active preserving the community of Temecula. He successfully opposed the “UpZoning” of property immediately adjacent to the wine country. He joined Save Our Southwest Hills and together with the Pechanga Indian Tribe and the City of Temecula won a hard fought fight against a proposed Quarry Mine on Pu’Eska Mountain. Jim used his radio and TV skills to arrange several local debates for candidates running for the Temecula City Council and the Riverside County Board of Supervisors. Additionally, Jim established the Santa Margarita Group of the Sierra Club ... and the list goes on! Throughout their 33 years together, Jim and Meryle enjoyed travelling to many different countries, they liked jazz, classical music, the Broadway theatre and boating. They spent many happy years sailing along the California Coast and enjoyed spending their summers in Catalina. Jim is survived by his wife Meryle, his brother Tom, his sister-in-law Suzie, his daughters Bibiana, Adria, Alessandria & Marisa, his step daughter Karen and stepson, Christopher. In addition, Jim and Meryle have 13 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and dozens of nieces and nephews in their Family. Jim was predeceased by his beloved sister, Barbie and his beloved brother-in-law Lee Perry.