REEDVILLE—Wilton Mitchell Jett Jr. was called to his eternal home by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at age 79 on Saturday, July 1, 2023.
Mitch passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and caregivers that he loved so much and who loved him. Mitch was the son of Wilton Mitchell Jett Sr. and Viola Ficklin Jett born on July 18, 1943.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Jane J. Walter, Gertrude J. Saunders; and brothers, Thomas M. Jett, Raymond Lee Jett and Wallace W. Jett.
Mitch was born in Rehoboth Church and moved to Reedville when he was 11. In high school, Mitch played football, baseball, basketball and ran track but became known for his prowess on the football field for scoring 2,512 yards in seven games one season, setting some state records that still stand today. His career yards-run for two years was 4,330 but no records were kept for his first two seasons.
After playing for the Richmond Rebels for a year, he decided that he was coming home to work at Zapata Haynie (now Omega) and married his high school sweetheart, Sue on April 18, 1964.
In 1965, he joined the Northumberland County Sheriffs Department and worked under four sheriffs. He also went back to Zapata and worked four more years with a final job as plant superintendent. While working these jobs, he decided to become a part-time farmer starting with just the fields around his home but soon increased the land he was working to 700 acres. He also worked as a part-time welder on weekends.
Ever the entrepreneur, Mitch decided that putting up straw after harvesting the wheat was the way to go and hauled the straw to Fredericksburg and surrounding areas. In 1982, he and Wayne Middleton started Northern Neck Security doing guard work at local companies. When Wayne decided to run for Sheriff, Mitch bought the company and later added alarm services. He also opened a gift shop, Gifts and Gajetts.
When his son Troy was 14, he decided to keep him busy by starting a commercial grass cutting operation. Between the straw operation and grass cutting business, many young men in the area came to work for him and he mentored many of them. In 2012, Troy bought the farm operation.
Mitch came to Tibitha Church of God after moving from Rehoboth Church to Reedville. He formerly worshipped at Morrattico Baptist Church. He credits his mother for instilling the importance of giving to the church and Mrs. Pittman, his Sunday School teacher, for teaching him his Bible lessons. Mitch loved his God, his family and his church. He served the Lord faithfully and served in many capacities and always had a hardy, friendly welcome for everyone there.
Mitch would say that his hobby was work and Phyllis D. Swift was (his right-hand man) working beside him in all of his endeavors from unclogging combines to taking off to New York to pickup parts for the factory. He enjoyed traveling with his family and never met a stranger. When traveling in Europe on a 15-day bus tour, the bus driver spoke Italian and Mitch, English but he sat up front right by him and they conversed all the way seemingly understanding each other, especially scary while maneuvering around the Alps.
Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 59 years, Sue Williams Jett. They were blessed with two children, a daughter, Michelle J. Robinson (Larry) of Dunnsville; and a son, Jason Troy Jett (Jessie) of Heathsville; five grandchildren (his pride and joy) Anna M. Jett, Kay N. Jett, Victoria R. Jett, Jesse L. Robinson and Joshua A. Robinson; two brothers, Jimmie Jett (Virginia Mae) and Johnny Jett (Ann); sister-in-law, Marney Saunders; extended family members; caregivers; and special friend, Phyllis D. Swift.
Your expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.curriefuneral.com. Currie Funeral Home is serving the Jett family.
The Jett family would especially like to thank Hospice of Virginia Care Team and Mitchell’s many caregivers, Phyllis Jones, Valerie Gaskins, Yvette Palmer, Kiki Gaskins, Tiana Noel, Diamond James, Joann Spade and Rebecca Sprouse for their tender loving care, support and encouragement during his courageous battle.
A viewing will be held from 1:30-3 p.m. Thursday, July 6, at Tibitha Church of God, with the service to follow. After the service, a meal will be provided at Tibitha Church of God.
Pallbearers will be M.J. Fletcher, Chris Jett, Scott Jett, Jesse Robinson, Joshua Robinson, Hunter Saunders, Michael Saunders and Robert Walter.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Mitchell’s honor to Tibitha Church of God, P.O. Box 167, Reedville, VA 22539.
