James Madison Mitchell

James Madison Mitchell "Sparky" was born on July 6, 1945 in Clarksburg, WV to Robert Dunlap and Elena Griffin Mitchell. He was the eldest of four children; Jayne Forge Cloud (Mitchell), Renee Bradford, Karleton Bradford and Eric Bradford.

At an early age, Sparky moved to Cleveland, OH. He graduated from Glenville High School in Cleveland, OH in 1965. On February 8, 1965, Sparky enlisted in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged on February 7, 1971. Shortly after being discharged from the military, Sparky worked at General Electric. After his employment at General Electric, he joined and graduated from the police academy and went on to work as a police officer, where he was later promoted to detective. Sparky served on the police force, in the fourth district, until he suffered a stroke and was forced into retirement in 1983.

Sparky attended and graduated from both Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) where he received his Associate's degree and Cleveland State University where he received his Bachelor's Degree. Sparky later went on to obtain his Real Estate license and served as a licensed Real Estate Agent.

In 1969, Sparky met Joyce Powell, and out of this union, in 1971, his first child, April Monique Odom (Mitchell) was born. Later in 1971, Sparky married Lorain Mitchell (Fryer), and from that union four children were born; Torrey Deangelo Mitchell, Tremayne Mitchell, Tiffany Lorain Worsham (Mitchell), and Terrence James Mitchell. Sparky was married to Lorain until their divorce in 1991.

Sparky enjoyed dancing prior to his stroke, loved flashy cars, fashionable clothing and being by the water.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Dunlap, and Elena Griffin Mitchell; and his sister, Jayne Forge Cloud.

Sparky is survived by his sister, Renee Bradford; two brothers, Karleton, and Eric Bradford; two daughters, April (Sean) Odom, and Tiffany (Rafael) Worsham; three sons, Torrey (Toni) Mitchell, Tremayne Mitchell, and Terrence Mitchell; five grandchildren; five great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.