James Ralph Mitchem, 76, of Gwynn, passed away on Tuesday, May 7, 2019. 

James was preceded in death by his father, William Mitchem; mother, Virginia Mitchem, and a sister, Betty Close.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Elaine Haywood Mitchem; daughter, Jennifer Mitchem Jackson and her husband Jason Jackson; two grandchildren, Madisyn Dawn Jackson and William James Jackson; brothers, Ronald L. Mitchem Sr. and William S. Mitchem, and a sister, Sandra Robins.

He was better known to all his friends and family as “Bubba” and “Poppie.” He enjoyed his time working on the water and cutting grass. 

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Sunday, May 12, 2019 at Gwynn’s Island Church of the Nazarene, Hudgins. A funeral service will be held on Monday, May 13, 2019 at 11 a.m. at the Church of the Nazarene with graveside service at Gwynn’s Island Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in James’s memory to Gwynn’s Island Church of the Nazarene or to the Mathews Vol.  Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 723, Mathews, Va. 23109.

Faulkner Funeral Homes, Foster-Faulkner Chapel, Mathews, is assisting the family with the arrangements.