James Elgin Mitchell was born on April 16, 1933, the ninth son of Charlie Robert and Amie (Wyche) Mitchell. He was fondly called "Naggy" by his family because he was always nagging one of his siblings. James acquired his education in the Northampton County public schools where he walked daily along with his other siblings. James joined the Roanoke Salem Missionary Baptist Church as a young adult.

James was described as a chubby child with a big old belly who kept something going all the time. Amie often threatened to take a switch to him because he kept all his sisters and brothers from working in the fields or doing their chores because he had them all in stitches. If someone got a whipping he poked fun. He was always happy, nothing ever depressed him. He would sing and dance half of Saturday afternoon just for his siblings to give him money for a movie. James was also a fast worker; and he worked hard when he had a job to do. He picked cotton, shook peanuts, pulled corn - all in a flash so the fun could begin.

James worked on the family farm for a short time before leaving home. His father had died soon after his tenth birthday. He was handsome, funny, and loved to have a good time. He was always willing to lend a hand to those in need. Like his brother Joseph, James loved to hug and be hugged by his family.

James later moved to the Boston area and lived with his daughter Kitty for a while. He became ill during the mid-1980s and received a kidney transplant. He died in 1986 and is buried at Roanoke Salem Missionary Baptist Church beside is parents and his brother Ellis.