John R. Mitchell (judge)

Born in Halifax County, Virginia,[1] Mitchell was educated in private schools, including the Law Department of the University of Virginia.[3] He moved to Olympia, Washington in 1888,[1] and gained admission to the bar there in 1889.[3]

From 1889 to 1893, Mitchell was associated in practice with Judge M. A. Root. In 1897 he became a prosecuting attorney, serving in that role until 1899.[3] In 1901 he formed a partnership with Thomas M. Vance, which continued until 1908.[3]

In 1908, Mitchell was appointed to the Superior Court for Thurston and Mason counties.[1][3] Mitchell was twice re-elected to the superior court, without opposition, remaining in that office for ten years.[3] During his tenure, he ruled in favor of the constitutionality the state's railroad commission act, and the law establishing the state department of labor and industries.[1]

On May 11, 1918, Governor Ernest Lister jointly appointed Mitchell and Warren W. Tolman to vacant seats on the state supreme court,[4] with Mitchell succeeding Justice Overton G. Ellis.[1][3] Mitchell was later elected to the seat, to a term expiring in 1925,[3] and thereafter re-elected until his retirement from the court in 1937.[1]

Mitchell married Hallie Price of Kentucky in Virginia on April 22, 1891.[1][3] They had one son. Dr. Richard S. Mitchell, a prominent physician and surgeon.[3]

Mitchell died died at his home at the age of 78, following several months of poor health.[1]