Clifton “C.J.” Jessie Mitchell, Jr., of Pace, FL went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, February 2, 2022, at the age of 70, surrounded by his family.  He was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend.

Clifton, or C.J. as he was known to family and friends, was born on February 26, 1951, in Pensacola, FL, to the late Clifton and Eva (Golson) Mitchell, Sr.  In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a sister, Dian Mitchell Mathews; in-laws, Raymond and Louise Grosskopf; and a niece, Tracy Mathews Lafreniere.

C.J. was raised in East Pensacola Heights and graduated from Pensacola High School in 1969. He began working for the City of Pensacola/ECUA at the age of 18. He retired from ECUA after 44 years of service.

C.J. was united in holy matrimony to the love of his life, Cheryl Lynne Grosskopf, on August 31, 1973.  This union was blessed with two children, followed by 10 grandchildren.

C.J. was the most wonderful husband, an amazing dad, and an even better Papa, he truly was the epitome of a family man. There was nothing more important than his family and friends. He was selfless, kind, and generous to all he knew. He loved God, was strong in his faith and was grateful for his many blessings. In May 2020, he received liver and kidney transplants and had a new lease on life. He was our “miracle man!” 

C.J. loved to have fun, tell stories, and make people laugh. Everyone that met him immediately liked him.  He made everyone feel like family. He enjoyed mullet fishing, piddling in his garage, going to casinos, family vacations, summer days of cookouts and swimming in the pool. He loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, and Saturdays during college football season. Go Noles!

C.J. had a smile that could light up a room, but bigger than his smile was his heart. His life will be forever cherished in the lives of his wife, children, grandchildren, and his large extended family and friends.

C.J. is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Cheryl Grosskopf Mitchell; daughter, Danielle Boudreaux (Brian); son, Cliff Mitchell (Joanna); brother (his best friend) and sister-in-law, Rickey and Kay Mitchell; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Harold and Rhonda Grosskopf; 10 grandchildren, Allie and Addisyn Stone, Mckenzie and Nolan Mitchell, Jack, Kate and Addi Boudreaux, Madisyn Boeker, Carley and Harper Raines; numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and extended family and friends.

The family will receive friends for visitation from 2:00pm until 4:00pm on Sunday, February 6, 2022 at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, 2276 Airport Blvd.

A funeral service will be held to honor C.J.’s life at 11:00am on Monday, February 7, 2022, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, with Reverend Ken Griffin officiating.

Burial will follow at St. John’s Cemetery, 301 N. "G" St.

Active Pallbearers will be: Jearil Crawford, Joey Dunaway, Jonathan Mabire, Phil Mathews III, Derek McDiarmid, Rick Mitchell, and Ryan Mitchell.

The family wishes to thank Theresa O’Quinn for providing family and friends with daily updates and uplifting prayers of love and support.