Obituary: John Charles Mitchell

John Charles Mitchell, 89, of Omaha, Neb., and Longboat Key, died Feb. 28.

Born Dec. 17, 1924 in Kearney, Neb., Mr. Mitchell graduated cum laude from Kearney State Teachers College in 1947.

During World War II, Mr. Mitchell served as a “Dollar-a-Year Man,” selling government bonds to raise money for the war effort. He graduated with honors in 1950 from Georgetown Law School, where he was the first sophomore to win the All-School Moot Court Competition and served as editor of the Georgetown Law Journal.

He married Mary Kafasis Aug. 14, 1951, in Buffalo, N.Y. In 1968, the couple moved to Omaha, Neb., where Mr. Mitchell practiced law until 2001.

In his early years of practice, he served as general council and parliamentarian of the U.S. Jaycees. He served on the original Nebraska Supreme Court Committee on Standardized Jury Instruction and Practice and Procedures. Mr. Mitchell was instrumental in the development of the Democratic Party in Nebraska and served as its chairman from 1964 to 1972.

Mr. Mitchell was a news and sportscaster and, in 1996, he was inducted into the Nebraska Broadcasters Hall of Fame. The University of Nebraska Department of Journalism and the Nebraska Broadcasters Association awarded him the Pioneer Award in 2013 for leadership and education in broadcast journalism.

Mr. Mitchell opened two restaurants, Le Versailles and The Golden Apple, with the help of partners. He was founder and chairman of the board of Fort Calhoun State Bank. He was partners with wife, Mary, in Mitchell and Young Advertising Agency and an active member of his community.

Mr. Mitchell is survived by his wife, Mary; son, John Charles II; brother, George; two grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorials contributions can be made to the Omaha Community Foundation, omahafoundation.org.