Jim Mitchell obit

Jim Mitchell, ex-Detroit Lions DL, auto dealer, dies at 77

 He was not on the list.

Jim Mitchell, one of the Detroit Lions’ top defensive linemen of the 1970s, died Saturday, June 20, at the age of 77.

A third-round pick out of Virginia State in 1970, Mitchell started 67 games over eight seasons for the Lions and helped the team make its only playoff appearance of the '70s as a rookie.

One of Mitchell’s former teammates, defensive back Levi Johnson, and the son of one of his former business partners, Mel Farr Jr., told the Free Press about Mitchell’s death.

“He was a great mentor,” said former Lions defensive lineman Doug English, who joined the team in 1975 and played alongside Mitchell for three seasons. “Obviously, rookies need good examples in how to prepare mentally and physically and just how to approach the game at that level and he was a great example. The ones that try to be an example aren’t nearly as good as the ones that just do the work and you pay attention. He was a good, solid player and very quiet and did a great job.”

Mitchell appeared in 101 games for the Lions and was credited with 18 sacks by Pro Football Reference (as the sack didn't become an official NFL stat until 1982), including a career-high five in 1972.

After his playing career, Mitchell joined Ford’s dealer development program and went on to own car dealerships in his native Virginia.

“He was just relentless,” said Johnson, a defensive back for the Lions in 1973-78. “His motor was always going and he’s the kind of guy you wanted to be a teammate with and off the field. … I hate that he’s gone.”

He played college football for the Virginia State Trojans. He died June 20, 2026, at the age of 77. He was born in Danville.