Jack Merrill Mitchell

Jackie Merrill Mitchell age 87 of Basalt died of natural causes on 9 January 2026. He was born on 6 October 1938 in Shelley, Idaho to Roland and Thelma Mitchell.

Jack attended schools in Shelley, Basalt and Firth Idaho.

He commenced his lifelong love of work at a very early age. A few of his early employers were Dell Christensen, Jim Parks and Gerald Stolworthy. During the late fifties he was employed by the R. T. French Company.

In the summer of 1962 he went to work for Bateman Brothers Construction Company. He was employed there for 62 years. Jack very much enjoyed the wide variety of tasks, equipment and job locations the employment provided. Jack was especially talented in the operation of all types of construction equipment. He was especially fond of hauling heavy equipment throughout a multi-state region year round in all weather conditions. In this role, Jack was extremely accomplished, meticulous in detail, well respected and highly sought after for is services. When age and declining health issues dictated retirement Jack was deeply saddened because Bateman Brothers had been his livelihood, hobby and family spanning a portion of two centuries.

Jack was first married in 1958. This union produced 2 children, Mike and Vicki. By 1974 this marriage ended in divorce.

Jack enjoyed patronizing numerous cafes in the local area over the years. Among those were Stans Grill, Betty’s Cafe, Cathay Cafe, Rupes, Collett’s, Oolees Burger Hut, Olson’s, Joyces Cafe, LeBarons, North Highway Cafe, Doc’s Broadway Cafe, Adas and Paris Cafe, Rays In and Out the Arctic Circle and more recently Freddies, Wendy’s, Dixies Diner and Perkins.

He was well known in the greater Shelley area as being extremely generous as he would typically run into acquaintances and insist on buying their dinner. Jack’s big smile and friendly wave were a familiar sight. Without a doubt he will be missed.

He is survived by 2 children, 2 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, a brother, Derryle and sister, Yolon both of Basalt.

We would like to express our gratitude to Eden Home Health. They have been professional and outstanding in providing assistance to Jack this past year. We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to the entire staff of wonderful, attentive, and kind individuals at the Caring Hearts Assisted Living of Pocatello.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at the Shelley Hillcrest Cemetery under the direction of Nalder Funeral Home.

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