James C. Mitchell, 87, of Saxonburg, formerly of Natrona Heights and Fawn Township in Alleg-heny County, died Monday.

Born in Bird-ville, near Natrona Heights, Sept. 3, 1919, he was the son of James C. and Catharine B. Douthett Mitchell.

He had been a precision gas blender at the former Gulf Research in Harmarville for 32 years and retired in 1978.

Mr. Mitchell was a member of the Natrona Heights of Jehovah's Witnesses congregation.

He enjoyed gardening, boating, camping and fishing.

Surviving are his wife, Virginia G. McVay Mitchell, whom he married Oct. 30, 1948; a son, James C. Mitchell Jr of Westernport, Md.; two daughters, Catharine L. (Charles) Ghee of New Kensington and Sarah L. (Randy) Kanary of Sarver; and three grandsons, Mitchell and Shaun Kanary and Nicholas Ghee.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Rayburn Mitchell, and three sisters, Arla and Elnetta Mitchell and Maudelle Larkin.

<B>MITCHELL </B>— A memorial service for James C. Mitchell, who died Monday, July 24, 2006, will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 1509 Melrose Ave., Natrona Heights, with Gerry Carkin officiating. Burial will be made at the Mount Airy Cemetery, Natrona Heights.Arrangements are being handled by the <B>Fox Funeral Home</B>, Saxonburg; and the information also is available at www.foxfuneralhomeinc.com.