Jeffery Lloyd Mitchell

Jeffery Lloyd Mitchell was born on August 17, 1945, in Longview, Washington, to Lloyd and Phyllis Mitchell. He spent his childhood in Castle Rock, Washington, where he built lifelong friendships and graduated from Castle Rock High School in 1963. From an early age, Jeff’s life was shaped by music, curiosity, and a deep sense of commitment to whatever — and whoever — he loved.

Jeff pursued his passion for music at Central Washington State College from 1963 to 1967, earning both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music Education. What followed was a remarkable life of teaching, conducting, mentoring, and inspiring thousands of students, colleagues, and audiences.

For more than 30 years, Jeff served as choir director at South Kitsap High School, where he was much more than a music teacher. He taught drill team, English, history, and math; served as the district Arts Coordinator; and for three decades was the familiar and beloved voice announcing South Kitsap Wolves football games. He produced and directed 31 musicals, pouring countless hours into helping students discover confidence, discipline, and joy through the performing arts.

Jeff’s music programs consistently earned superior ratings, and his jazz choir, The Highlighters, achieved international recognition. The group was featured at the International Association of Jazz Educators conference and had the unforgettable honor of opening for Mel Tormé in 1991 — a highlight Jeff cherished.

Beyond South Kitsap, Jeff’s influence reached across the state and region. He served as President of the Washington State chapter of the National Association of Jazz Educators and as Organizing Chair for both Northwest Jazz and Washington State Jazz events. He was an adjunct professor at Gonzaga University and Seattle Pacific University, a director for Sweet Adelines, and a featured vocalist with the Bremerton Symphony.

His dedication to education was recognized with the Christa McAuliffe Outstanding State Teacher Award, and he was inducted into the Washington Music Educators Hall of Fame — honors that reflected not just excellence, but heart.

Jeff was also known for his strong work ethic, shaped by many jobs throughout his life, including logger, helper in the family hardware store, store clerk and manager, millwright and carpenter’s helper, grocery store night manager, and shake bolt cutter and splitter. Whatever he did, he did with humility, diligence, and pride.

Music remained at the center of Jeff’s life well beyond his school career. He continued conducting at Port Orchard United Methodist Church until 2023, where his leadership and kindness touched yet another community. Outside of music, Jeff found joy in making stained glass, appreciating old cars, and building an extensive vinyl record collection — pursuits that reflected both his creativity and love for craftsmanship.

Above all, Jeff was a deeply dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. He took great pride in his family and found his greatest joy in supporting, encouraging, and celebrating the people he loved.

Jeff married Jan Evans in June 1968, and they shared many meaningful years together until Jan’s passing in 2022. In August 2024, Jeff remarried and found renewed companionship and happiness with Terry Sharrett Nygard.

Jeff is lovingly remembered by his wife, Terry Sharrett Nygard; his sons Brian Mitchell and his wife Jennifer (Smith), and Scott Mitchell and his wife Kari (Erickson); his grandchildren Addison and Mia; his stepson Eric Nygard and his wife Amber (Parris) and their daughters Ava, Audree, and Olivia; and his sister Wendy Mitchell, her husband Wayne Mikkelson and her son Adam DeHeer. He was preceded in death by his sister Sandra Mitchell and her husband Gilmore Griffith, and by his first wife, Jan Mitchell.

A celebration of Jeff’s life will be held on January 31, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Port Orchard United Methodist Church in Port Orchard, Washington. The service will also be livestreamed via the church’s website.

Jeff lived by these words, which beautifully reflect the way he lived his life:

“For when the One Great Scorer comes

To mark against your name,

He writes — not that you won or lost —

But HOW you played the Game.”

— Grantland Rice

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Port Orchard United Methodist Church Music Fund or South Kitsap High School ASB Choral Music, honoring Jeff’s lifelong devotion to music and education. Jeff’s life was a gift of music, mentorship, laughter, and love. His legacy lives on in every voice he guided, every student he believed in, and every heart he touched. Though his song has ended, the echoes of his life will continue to be heard for generations.