Jeffery Thomas "JT" Mitchell

If you are reading this, that means the “mothership” has finally come to take me home. Writing my own story seemed the best way to tell the truth or at least my version of it. Rather than grieving loved ones giving a glowing review of half-truths, and tall tales. I will share my life and truth in my own words. The truth is I succeeded, and a lot of times I failed. I didn’t always say or do the right things, those are the things that matter, the things that hurt other people, the things you regret. My life was not perfect, but I did the best I could. Good, bad, or ugly it was a hell of a ride.

I was born to Bill and Betty Mitchell on July 22, 1957, in Rockford, Illinois. The youngest of 3 (thanks Russ and Pam for not killing me early). Music became my heart very early on. At age 13 I started playing music with Wanda Rae, where I made great memories with my second family until….

At 17, Auburn diploma in hand, I went on my next adventure. Neu Ulm, Germany courtesy of the US Army. I spent a couple years with Don, Mike and Wally in Mom’s Country Jam band. Lots of music, military drills, questionable decisions, and Christmas at Munster Church and then my service was complete. Back to Rockford by way of New Jersey. Fast forward a few hundred band gigs, and a couple of ex-wives, my greatest joy; I became a girl dad. Chasidy, Lindsay, and Tiffany please know I did the best I knew how and love you more than these words or my actions could have ever shown. These were my glory days, running hard, flying high, the best and the worst of the journey. To my Backroads brothers…. What a trip! I wouldn’t trade those nights with you guys. Andy, Dave, Doug, Rick and Tom thanks for putting up with me as long as you did. Fast forward, 20 years in Nashville, thousands of band gigs, a couple more ex-wives, and its back to Rockford by way of Indiana.

Having sworn off love for good this time, it took me by surprise when my heart said “you ain’t done yet.” I found a piece of my soul I didn’t know was missing. Thank you, Libby, for always loving me for me and taking care of me even when I didn’t take care of myself. When I asked you to be my widow, and you said “yes”, I never imagined that our time would be so short. I wish I could’ve loved you longer…. mucho grande hacienda muchas! The other surprise of my life was finding a daughter I didn’t know I had. Bethany, I am so glad we found each other, we didn’t get much time, but you were a bright spot on the road. Ellah and Avary my bonus daughters, thank you for letting me be a part of your lives, and for every minute with your mom you gave up for me this last year. To my grandkids, much like your mothers you deserved better of me, I want you to know I’ve always been proud of you, and I love you all.

Living means we will all hurt someone whether on purpose or by accident, or love someone on purpose or by accident, and in the end we will all wish we did some things differently. I’ve found peace, accepted what I can’t change, let go of what could’ve been, and I am thankful for every person who has joined me on the road, it really was one hell of a ride.

Oook, alright, ok, ahh, okaaay, bye.