Jerry Bert Mitchell

On the morning of January 5, 2026, Jerry passed away at his home in Tulsa, Oklahoma after a life well-lived. He was 86 years old.

Jerry was born on January 23rd, 1939, in Tulsa, Oklahoma; his parents were James Bert Mitchell and Vivian Hayes. He spent some of his childhood years in Los Angeles, California, but primarily grew up on his grandparents’ farm in White Oak, Oklahoma. With his cousins in tow, Jerry roamed the woods, fished the local ponds, and took the bus to “town” to see a movie and have ice cream at the general store. Jerry graduated from White Oak High School in 1957. He was an excellent athlete in high school, playing on both the basketball and baseball teams.

Jerry was uncertain about life after high school, so he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. Jerry did his basic training in San Diego, and was later stationed in Hawaii, where he was part of the elite Marine Recon unit. While service in the Marines was challenging, Jerry learned important lessons about integrity, honor, duty, and personal responsibility. He served three years before returning to Oklahoma, and his time in the Marines was a source of great pride and inspiration for the rest of his life.

Jerry enrolled at Northeastern State College in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Education. He was the first person in his family to graduate college, and credits this achievement for all his future success. Several of his younger cousins followed him to college and also earned degrees. While in college, he was President of his fraternity, Phi Lambda Chi. He graduated in 1964.

While at NSC he met Dixie Trickey from Big Cabin, Oklahoma. Jerry owned a car, and Dixie would pay him $2 to drive her to and from her home in Big Cabin during breaks. This taxi service turned into a romance, and they were united in marriage on October 26, 1962.

Jerry and Dixie were married for 63 years and were blessed with three sons: Jerry “Mickey” Jr., Kevin and Steve. Jerry was an amazing father, encouraging his boys to pursue education, maintain a strong work ethic, and treat everyone they meet with kindness and respect. Jerry and Dixie loved to travel, and passed that passion on to their children and grandchildren. Jerry also shared his love of sports, and especially enjoyed coaching youth basketball; teaching kids how to play the game with skill and sportsmanship.

Jerry worked in the insurance industry his entire career, with over 30 years spent at State Farm. Jerry loved his job, especially hiring and coaching new agents, most of whom went on to have very successful careers. Jerry was a good boss, and maintained friendships with his agents for the rest of his life. Jerry remained active even after he retired. He golfed at Indian Springs Country Club, and played tennis with a group of retirees called the Rafters.

Jerry was a strong man of faith. He and Dixie helped found South Tulsa Baptist Church, and were later members of Asbury United Methodist Church and Harvard Avenue Christian Church. Jerry served as a deacon, a leader in the youth group, and sang in the choir. His faith was a great source of comfort as he and Dixie suffered the loss of their son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter over a period of four years.

Jerry had a positive outlook, a goofy sense of humor, and a loving heart. He will be sorely missed by all who loved him and whose lives he touched.