James Elsworth Mizell

James Elsworth Mizell born June 28th, 1919 in Jamesville, Martin County, North Carolina to John Henry and Effie Mae Wallace Mizell passed away on December 23, 2011 at the age of 92.
Survived by his wife Joyce Picard Mizell, two of his three sisters Dorothy Stone and Joyce Hardison of Jamesville, North Carolina, son Craig Mizell, daughters Stephanie Spiller and Melanie Hanley, ten grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren. He was preceeded in death by his first wife and mother of his four children, Beverly Keene Mizell, his eldest son, James (Jamie) Elsworth Mizell II and ‘Sister’, Juanita Ambrose.
Jim helped his family with farming until he was 17 when he joined the Navy, serving as machinist mate second class on the USS New Mexico, USS Argonne, signing off the USS Nevada shortly before the bombing of Pearl Harbor after which he reenlisted in the Merchant Marines achieving the rank of Chief Petty Officer.
On leave in San Francisco he met Beverly Keene daughter of Walter and Ellen Keene, of Taft ,Ca. They married April 20th, 1946 and settled in Beverly’s home town of Taft where Jim was an insurance broker, owner of a Chrysler/Plymouth dealership and began what became a life-long career in real estate. He served on the city council and as President of the Chamber of Commerce.
The family relocated to Costa Mesa, Ca. in 1962 where Jim continued doing business as Mizell & Associates. Jim spent over 65 years in the real estate industry as salesman, broker, builder, general contractor, investor and manager.
He loved to hunt, fish, golf and motorhome, traveling cross-country annually to visit his family and for years has been ‘camping out’ with the Elks Newport Wanderers. A machinist by trade he loved to tinker and repair things. Over his lifetime Jim has been a member of the Masons, Shriners, Kiwanis and Elks. A great memory for details, tough and opinionated, he was always the boss and happily shared his opinions.
On April 28th, 2001 Jim married Joyce Ann Picard a long-time friend from Kern County.
Proud of passing his driver’s license exam on his 92nd birthday, Jim continued to work up until his death. He took his last motorhome trip a few months ago.
Memorial service will be held Saturday, January 21, 2012, 11:30 at the Duck Club, 5 Riparian View, Irvine, CA. Contact Stephanie at 760 449-6006.
Donations to: National Kidney Foundation
15490 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403-3016
800 747-5523
www.kidney.org