George Addis Mitchell

George Addis Mitchell, 100, born on September 29, 1915, to George and Rose Mitchell, grew up in the small Western Pennsylvania town of Butler during the Roaring Twenties and the Great Depression.

After earning a degree in Chemical Engineering from Grove City College (PA) he went to work for U. S. Steel where he created a process for improving the manufacture of steel.

But, George's true love was flying. From his first flight, to gaining his pilot's certificate, to the incredible number of ratings he earned and flight hours he accumulated, flying has been a passion that has only grown through the years.

As war again raged in Europe, a new organization was established to augment the Army Air Force, the Civil Air Patrol. He was one of the original members who provided critical liaison and observation patrols. In December 2014, his contributions were recognized by the United States Congress when they awarded the Civil Air Patrol and its World War II members the Congressional Gold Medal.

Hired by American Airlines on June 6,1944, he joined the Army Air Force's Air Transport Command, flying extensively throughout the North African and European Theaters. Continuing with American after the war, he built an impressive flying career rising to the position of Chief Pilot. Even after retiring from the line he continued with American helping to establish American Airlines Training LTD in the United Kingdom and later served as an instructor training U. S. Air Force Pilots assigned to the KC-135 during the Gulf Wars.

American Airlines afforded him much more than a flying career, as that was where he met a young Stewardess named Alicia Judge. They were married for almost 60 years at her passing and raised three children: George, Joni (married to Tom Hiller) and Jennifer, who gave him his Grandson, Michael. He also had three Step Grandchildren - Nicole, Phillip (Candace) and Christen Hiller, and two great grandchildren - Kennedy and Charlotte.

He remained active in the aviation community flying a number of aircraft based out of Santa Monica Airport. For his 100th birthday celebration, he flew with a close friend and fellow pilot to properly mark the occasion.

He was active member of Beverly Hills Presbyterian Church, serving on the Session and as a Deacon.

He passed peacefully at his home in Pacific Palisades on June 22, 2016, surrounded by family.

Arrangement are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Glendale, California.