Augusta, GA – Dr. James Walter Mitchener, husband of 54 years to the late Norma Brown Mitchener, died Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at his residence.
A native of Canada, Dr. Mitchener was born to the late Walter William and Grace Beattie Mitchener in 1929. A loving and devoted father, grandfather, and great grandfather, he put himself through medical school playing professional football with the Canadian Football League. A stellar athlete, Mitchener won the 1948 Grey Cup Championship with Calgary Stampeders and later was inducted into the Alberta, Canada Sports Hall of Fame. After graduating from both McGill University and McGill Medical School, Dr. Mitchener worked as a pathologist at University Hospital for many years where he helped establish the Epidemiology Department. Early in his career, he taught Pathology at the Medical College of Georgia. Dr. Mitchener retired from Port Huron Hospital. An avid golf and tennis player, he served as a board member of Augusta Country Club and a member of the Augusta Golf Association. He was a charter member of Covenant Presbyterian Church and on the founding committee of Augusta Preparatory Day School. After retirement, he developed an interest in cooking and often enjoyed reading and playing bridge while continuing to share his lifelong passion for sports cars with several members of his family.
In addition to his parents and wife, Dr. Mitchener was preceded in death by his companion of late, Beverly Frances Fraser, sister, Mavis Engemon, and brother, William Mitchener.
He is survived by his five daughters: Susan Mitchener Lambert (Dr. Buford LeWayne Lambert) of Tupelo, MS, Karen Mitchener Rhodes (Melton Evander Rhodes, Jr.) of Augusta, Jane Mitchener Cudd (John James Cudd, III) of Augusta, Martha Mitchener Crisp (Dr. Fred Durham Crisp, III) of Raleigh, NC, Leslie Ann Mitchener of Augusta; grandchildren: Alanna Brooksbank (Bo), Kelly Cavanagh, Gerard Lambert, James Lambert, Kate Lambert, John Harry “Jay” Weigle, Jr., Stephanie Weigle, Erica Malcom, Callan Rhodes (Josh), Casey Finnen (Patrick), Jenna Schweihofer; great grandson, Benjamin Malcom; sisters: Beryl Mitchener, Shirley Almaas; and brother, Jack Mitchener.
A memorial service will be held Monday, February 6, 2017 at 2:00PM at Covenant Presbyterian with Karla Conditt-Daniels officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials contributions may be made to Covenant Presbyterian Church 3131 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30909 or Thornwell Orphanage, 302 South Broad St., Clinton, SC 29325
Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com