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Health & Fitness

James Mitchell: Greatness Redefined

I hear and read a lot about greatness. When you write for a boxing publication and teach students you find yourself referring to “the great ones” over and over again. You know who the great ones are – those who accomplish amazing feats, who gain fame and universal nods of approval. Greatness, according to our society, is not a matter of what kind of people we are, but of what we achieve.

Ultimately, however, that line of thinking is a load of bull. I lost someone today, someone close and important to me. Like the vast majority of us, James Mitchell was not a man one would call conventionally great. He wasn't a champion athlete, businessman or practitioner of the arts (though he could certainly sing). He wasn't famous (outside of Cheshire) and he never wanted or needed universal approval.

Yet he was great nonetheless. Truly great. Why? Because Jim knew how to love people. He knew how to make them feel special and important. Could the same thing be said of Napoleon? Jim Mitchell wasn't a perfect man, but he was as close to a perfect friend and father-in-law as I could possibly have hoped for. Those who knew him well undoubtedly share in my high opinion of his character.

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So yes, Jim Mitchell was a great man. The ironic thing is that his greatness stemmed from redefining what greatness is. For Jim recognized that greatness resides in character and behavior, not in achievement and recognition. That was a simple truth Jim conveyed on a regular basis by showing the world you actually could be happy with life as it is. 

Jim's last days were certainly not easy, but his final moments were of the kind any man or woman would wish for. For Jim died surrounded by his family, his hand held tight by one of his daughters. His affairs were in order and, having received Last Rites, his soul was ready for God. Jim left this world knowing the impact his life had on others. And he knew that impact was a positive thing. Who could ask for more?

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Rest in peace, pal.    

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