James “Jim” Paul Mitzel, 62, passed away August 10, 2026, as honorably as he lived surrounded by his family in Rapid City. He died with more love in his heart than one could imagine. If you knew Jim, you loved Jim. Jim was born on July 31, 1964, in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Jim was one of 6 children. He graduated from Aberdeen High School. He continued on to ultimately receive a master’s degree in criminal justice and developed a very successful career in public service having retired as a federal probation officer. He rose to Deputy Chief and retired in 2017 with much respect and admiration for those he served with and for.

Jim married his one true love, Patricia “Patti” Lynn Schumacher on December 27, 1986. Together they built a family and welcomed their two sons, Brooks and Bryce. There were not two prouder parents than Jim and Patti. Hockey was their focus and often times between the two boys, Jim and Patti found themselves on opposites sides of the state and sometimes country following each respectively. He loved hockey and embraced every team the boys played on and ultimately coached for. It had often been said that Jim was the “voice of reason” and often times was the one who kept other coaches, as well as parents in line, or at least tried to. He was a straight shooter and was respected by all. He was a great coach, in both baseball and hockey and made all who played for him better through his personal coaching and leadership style.

Jim and Patti welcomed Rose Sullivan into the family when she married Brooks on May 9, 2026. His family pride grew larger, as they had a special relationship from the very start.

Jim loved golf, not as much for his game, which was better than most, but for the people. Whether it was with Brooks, Rose and Bryce or his Wednesday group, he loved the comradery and it loved him. Each person that encountered Jim had their own special and unique relationship with him. He appreciated every relationship he had, and he embraced each one with appreciation and gratitude. Jim was known for his infectious laugh and mischievous smile. He was known to give a lot of advice, but most memorable to anyone playing in his group, was that “if you walk around enough and fix ball marks, they will eventually give you the putt.” Jim’s “gimme” range was a little longer than most.

And then there was his “Wings and Rings” family. He was well known for his ability to engage in a conversation with anyone he encountered, whether he knew them or not. He coined the phrase “one more” and likely helped the franchise financially with the concept. He often times could decipher the replays from the live ones on any particular sport and would play around with people as if he knew what was coming, conjuring up a play by play and commenting on the same, as if he knew what he was talking about. He loved that place and everyone in it. He took an interest in everyone who worked there and every patron that walked in the door.

Jim passed away at 4:55 p.m. on Monday, August 10, 2026, likely not a coincidence as he would have been right on time for heaven’s happy hour. Rest in Peace. May the fairways always be green and the Busch Light ever so cold.

He is survived by his wife, Patti, son Brooks (Rose) Mitzel, and son Bryce Mitzel, his trusted friend and confident Bauer (the dog), brother Tom (Rhonda) Mitzel, brother Tony (Lynette) Mitzel, Sister Terri (Bob) Grismer, Sister Vicki (Dave) Undlin, sister Lisa Gapevine, sister-in-law Brenda (Randy) White, brother-in-law Scott (Paula) Schumacher and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Leona Mitzel.

Services will be held at South Canyon Lutheran Church on Friday, August 14, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. The service will be livestreamed and can be viewed at https://vimeo.com/event/6117069?fl=so&fe=fs