Hugh Maxwell Mitchell, Jr. (Jake) passed peacefully into the arms of our Lord on April 24th, 2026 at the age of 93. He was born in Baltimore, MD on December 20th, 1932 to Hugh Maxwell Mitchell (Max) and Virginia Turner Mitchell of La Plata, MD where he grew up with his two younger sisters Polly and Courtenay. Jake graduated in 1951 from Episcopal High School in Alexandria, VA and in 1955 from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Science Degree from the McIntire School of Commerce.

In March of 1956, Jake felt the call to service and joined the U.S. Navy. He was commissioned as an officer and subsequently graduated from the Naval Flight Officer School located in Pensacola, FL proudly earning his wings of gold. After graduation, he served as a Naval Flight Officer (Navigator) at Patuxent River Air Station, MD aboard the Constellation ("Connie") aircraft conducting Cold War long range patrol and Airborne Early Warning missions. Following his active-duty years, Jake returned home to help with the family business, but continued to fly and serve in the Naval Reserves until he retired after twenty years at the rank of Lieutenant Commander (LCDR). Post service, he was a staunch supporter of JROTC and veterans programs.

In April 1959, he married Sandra Sowder and together they made their lifelong home in La Plata where they raised their two children, Hugh and Mariamne. Jake worked alongside his father in the family automotive and small engine parts business "Mitchell Motor Company" for many years before managing the business himself. Upon retiring from the automotive business, he continued to actively maintain and manage his family-owned commercial rental properties.

Throughout his life he was very involved in the community and served in positions of leadership on the Charles County Chamber of Commerce, Historical Society, Christ Church, Walter J. Mitchell Elementary PTA, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Gen Smallwood Chapter and the Maryland Veterans Memorial Museum. He was also active in Farm Bureau, Society of the Cincinnati, Southern Maryland Society, Naval Reserve Association, and University of VA associations. On any given day, he enjoyed spending time on the Chesapeake Bay, gardening, traveling, and working on a myriad of projects. Despite his busy life, he always had time for family (to include furry ones), friends, and those in need.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Sandra; his son Hugh Mitchell (Jennifer); granddaughter Emily Beahm (Spencer) and great-grandson Mitchell Beahm. His daughter Mariamne Okrzesik (John); grandchildren Corey, Caitlin, and Jake Okrzesik. He is also survived by his beloved sister Courtenay and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday May 12, 2026 at the Christ Church – LaPlata at 11 AM (112 Charles St. LaPlata, MD 20646). Interment to follow at Mt. Rest Cemetery.

We are deeply grateful to his compassionate caregivers over the last 18 months at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home. In lieu of flowers, family would like donations made to Maryland Veterans Museum at Patriot Park, Newburg, MD.


Funeral Service
Tuesday
May 12, 2026
11:00 AM
Christ Church LaPlata
112 Charles St./P.O. Box 760
LaPlata, MD 20646


Interment following funeral service
Tuesday
May 12, 2026
Mt. Rest Cemetery

LaPlata, Maryland 20646