James M. “Jerry” Mitchell ’51

James M. “Jerry” Mitchell ’51 died in Hanover on August 22 after a long illness. He was a longtime contributor to the Hanover community, well known to many for his 30-year leadership, with wife Nancy, of the Dartmouth Travel Bureau. Jerry’s years as a Dartmouth student were interrupted by a four-year stint as a U.S. Marine Corps pilot, which he referred to as his “semester abroad.” During those years he flew 88 missions in his Corsair in Korea. His combat experience earned him numerous commendations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross. After active service he remained in the Marine Corps Reserve, from which he retired at 60 as a colonel. Resuming his studies at Dartmouth, Jerry earned his undergraduate degree and an M.B.A. from the Tuck School. He met and married Nancy during those years. He was a marketing manager for IBM for 14 years before returning to Hanover, where he and Nancy bought the Dartmouth Travel Bureau. They spent 30 years growing the business, adding five offices in three states and sending thousands of Dartmouth, Colby Sawyer, and Middlebury students on foreign adventures. Their alumni travel program enlisted Dartmouth professors who escorted hundreds of alumni to all parts of the world. Jerry was active in leadership roles in Hanover. He was president of the local Rotary Club and senior warden of St. Thomas Church, where his memorial service was held. Amy and Henry Nachman ’51 represented the class at these services.