James Edgar Thomas Mitchem

“Edgar,” as he was commonly known by family, friends and co-workers, was the only son of loving parents, James Edgar & Katherine Mitchem of Chicago. His father James Edgar would succumb to death as Edgar matured into a teenager. His mother Katherine would pass on about a year later after her husband. Edgar would then move in with his Aunt, Camille Mitchem as she became his guardian. Edgar attended St. Elizabeth High School until his junior year, leaving to join the United States Army. Before leaving for basic training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Edgar made one last stop to his favored corner movie theater. Lydia Marine Moore, was working at the candy counter when she noticed the small framed, good-looking Edgar. The two would hit it off and mail each other while Edgar did his basic training. After completing basic, Edgar was stationed in Nuremburg, Germany, during the Korean War. Somewhere during all of the letters of communication, a spark of love grew into a flame. James Edgar Mitchem married Lydia Marine Moore at Corpus Christi Church in Chicago, IL on April 16th, 1955. Exactly one year later, on their first anniversary, they were blessed with their first son, Thomas. Upon his honorable discharge 3 years later, Edgar would go to work for Kroch and Brentano’s bookstore. As the family grew with the arrivals of sons James, Raphael, and Cameron...Edgar would be hired on at Converters Ink Company, making inks and paints for Coca Cola and other assorted consumer package goods companies for the next 35 years, until he retired. As the Mitchem Family grew with both Edgar and Lydia’s guidance, they moved into their first home on S. Woodlawn in the Chatham neighborhood on the south side. Edgar and Lydia both new the value of a quality education and decided to send all the boys to St. Felicitas Catholic Elementary School. Lydia became involved with the school and parish as an active parent, founding the local Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts (Troop 760). Edgar contributed by being an usher for Sunday Mass. Edgar and would later be accepted into the Knights of St. Peter Claver (a high Catholic Honor). Along the way the “twins” Kimberly and Robin would be welcomed into the Mitchem Family, now 8 strong. The house was always full of food, laughter, neighborhood kids, pets, Tupperware, candy, and son Andy’s music booming in the basement. Edgar’s wife Lydia, our Mom passed away in 2002. The family suffered greatly for her loss, a loss that is still felt today. In 2008 the family home succumbed to fire. Old pictures, school awards, etc., were lost but the memories of that old house and the ‘hood still linger on. We were blessed with great friends and neighbors along the way. In 2011, Edgar and Lydia’s oldest son, Thomas would pass-away. Family and close friends gathered around his bedside as he passed away. Edgar led the gathering in saying goodbye to his eldest and first-born son. Today, we pay honor and respect to James Edgar Mitchem’s memory and spirit. He lived just past his 82nd birthday, a long life in anyone’s book. He was a good Catholic, a committed husband and a great father, provider and protector. He and Lydia were married over 40 years, ‘til death did they part. Edgar’s friends and family are gathered to say goodbye and reflect on the good times. Edgar leaves behind three sons, two daughters, six grandchildren, and several great grandchildren. With Sincere thanks, The Mitchem Family

Tributes

James Edgar Thomas Mitchem

July 18, 1931 - August 28, 2013