Obituary: James (Jim) Fay Mitchell, Evangelical Free Church Pastor and Church Planter, Dies at 93

Jim Fay Mitchell, a devoted servant of the Lord, passed away on August 21, 2026, at the age of 93, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. His life was marked by a deep commitment to faith, service, and community, reflecting the values of the Evangelical Free Church and its emphasis on spiritual growth and outreach.

Born on May 6, 1933, in St. Cloud, Minnesota, Jim was adopted at six weeks by Clarence and Clara Mitchell of rural Akeley, Minnesota. His early life was shaped by a strong sense of purpose, which was solidified when he attended a Bible conference at Medicine Lake, Minnesota, at the age of 17. There, he encountered Christ and dedicated his life to serving Him. His transformation was so profound that it led his family to accept Christ as well, and they helped plant a new Evangelical Free Church in Grand Marais, Minnesota, marking the beginning of a lifelong ministry.

Jim’s spiritual journey continued as he pursued higher education, attending Trinity Bible College in Chicago, Illinois, where he became part of the school quartet and toured the western United States. He returned home to marry Lillian Gustafson on August 8, 1953, and began a family. His service to the Lord extended beyond personal devotion; he served in the U.S. Army for 17 months in Korea, followed by active duty in the Army Reserve and seven years in the Navy Reserve as a corpsman.

Jim’s career as a postal worker and later as the owner of Mitchell Furniture store in Waseca, Minnesota, provided the flexibility to pursue ministry. He played a key role in establishing Grace Evangelical Free Church in Fridley, Minnesota, and later served as a church-planting pastor at Faith Church in Austin, Minnesota. His leadership and dedication were instrumental in growing and strengthening local congregations.

Jim was deeply involved in the North Central District of the Evangelical Free Church, where he visited district churches, carried out leadership responsibilities, and shared his musical gifts through singing and playing the saxophone. He also served as Chairman of the Board for Camp Shamineau in Motley, Minnesota, further demonstrating his commitment to community and spiritual development.

Throughout his life, Jim was known for his many talents, including an exceptional tenor voice, skillful saxophone playing, and carpentry abilities. His creative endeavors were often inspired by his faith, reflecting the integration of his spiritual life with his personal gifts and passions. His legacy continues through the lives he touched and the communities he served, embodying the call to love and serve others as described in Micah 6:8.

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