James "Jim" William Mittelstadt

James (Jim) William Mittelstadt, 84, of Jacksonville, Florida passed away peacefully Sunday, June 25, cared for by family, friends, and Community Hospice.

Jim was born to Frederick Mittelstadt and Viola Schwen Mittelstadt in 1939 in Blue Earth, MN. Attending Blue Earth High School, Mankato State, and Wayne State University leading to a life teaching at the University of North Florida in the department of education helping to prepare future educators while sharing his love and craft of storytelling.

Jim loved to enchant children and grown-ups with his storytelling, opening their hearts and minds, and leaving all who listened with a warm fuzzy afterglow. When he wasn’t telling tales or teaching, he loved to run and run, joyfully completing many marathons around the country as well as overseas while making many new friends along the way.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Bob Mittelstadt, and wife Susie Chappell Mittelstadt. He is survived by his sister Kathy Kreklau (Bob), former wife Mary Mittelstadt, daughter Kristen Bailey (Dylan), son Matt Mittelstadt (Amy), stepson Ken Ackis (Kristen), grandchildren Otto, Wyatt, Rosie, and Ian and sweet dog Riley.

He will be remembered in the hearts of all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will take place Monday July 3 at 10:30 am at Mandarin Presbyterian Church.