Jasper (Jay) Clarence Mitchell

Jasper (Jay) Clarence Mitchell

Jay went home to sing with the Angels on January 8, 2025. He fought a
courageous battle with Parkinson’s and heart disease with the help of the Lord.

He was born on October 24, 1943 in Kenvir, KY and passed away peacefully in
St. Louis, MO. He was predeceased by his parents, Jasper Clarence Mitchell Sr
and Elizabeth (Saylor).

He is survived by his loving wife, Ellen (Ruder). They were married for thirty
six years. They enjoyed their years together serving the Lord. A friend once
told them they were “Twins of the heart.”

He had two sons, Troy (Brenda) Keller, TX and Jeff (Leslie) Southlake, TX and
three Grandchildren, Jackson, Madison, and Nolan. Two step-children, Eric
(Kelly) Polonus and Aimee (Jerald) Jackson and five step-grandchildren, Jacob,
Chelsea, Madison, Samantha, and Graham. He had one sister, Phyllis (John)
Wortman and one brother, Jerry (Julie) Mitchell, nieces, nephews, and
cousins. He enjoyed the friends he made throughout his life and will be
missed by so many people.

He acquired a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Business. During his career
he worked in the Insurance Industry and in Finance.

Jay was known for his singing and his sense of humor. He loved to make
people feel better through his singing and to make them laugh through his
humor. One of the things he had on his bucket list was to give one more
concert. This was accomplished at Del Mar Gardens Creve Coeur, where he
lived the last months of his life, on his 81st birthday. It was enjoyed by all.

We want to thank Mercy Hospice St Louis and Del Mar Gardens Creve Coeur
for their care. Donations may be made to either place in Jay’s name.

A Celebration of Life will be held on February 1, 2025 at Parkway Baptist
Church, 12465 Olive Blvd, St Louis MO 63141. Visitation will begin at 10:00
am with the Celebration of Life following at 11:00 am. Deacon Quay
Finefrock, Jay’s best friend, will preside.

Burial will be at a later date.

Thank you to family and friends for their love and support.

4 Comments

  1. valerie kelly brier on January 11, 2025 at 5:02 pm

    I am so blessed Jay and Ellen befriended my mother. No sweeter couple! My deepest sympathy ❤️‍🩹



  2. Barbara Kerr on January 11, 2025 at 7:16 pm

    Ellen and Jay were angels on earth. I met them in the early 2000s at the Mid-America Cancer Center at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. They always had something positive and encouraging and loving to say to me when I saw them. They were a joy to behold. I wish for Jay to sleep in heavenly peace eternally.🙏✝️



  3. Rick Ruder on January 11, 2025 at 8:00 pm

    Ellen, I’m so sorry to hear this. I wish I could have spoken to Jay before he passed. I still have one of his CDs that I listen to occasionally.
    You were always my favorite aunt and I hope we can see each other again soon.
    You and Jay were special people.
    Please relay my condolences to Eric and Aimee.
    I’m leaving my contact info in hopes I can speak to you soon.

    Your loving nephew Rick

    425-281-5419



  4. Terry Reichard on January 12, 2025 at 1:30 pm

    My best memories of Jay are riding to Bible study at Calvary Evangelical Church in Van Wert together. We always had plenty to talk about, and we both appreciated each other’s sense of humor. Jay had a great voice, and would occasionally bless us with a song. I was sad to see him move to St Louis. However, we continued our friendship by phone. I knew things were headed in a bad Direction, but praise God for ending his pain and welcoming Jay into heaven. We’ll have plenty of time to talk there!



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