Mitchell J Booth

life story

One of a Kind

There was no one quite like Mitch. He had the talent to make you love, hate, applaud, and want to punch him all at the same time.

In Loving Memory of Mitchell J. Booth January 25, 1957 – May 31, 2025

Mitchell J. Booth, the beloved son of James and Joy Boothe, was born at St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee, Illinois January 25, 1957. He was the oldest son in his family, alongside his siblings Todd, Kerry, and Darren. Mitch grew up on Manteno Lake in Kankakee County, surrounded by cousins, aunts and uncles, friends and extended family. He graduated from Crete-Monee High School in 1975.

Mitch was a talented woodworker and upholsterer, having learned the trade from his grandfather Burt, with whom he worked side-by-side in their garage upholstery shop. Later, he joined the railroad, where he found a career, he valued and admired.

He met the love of his life, Sharon Booth, near Green Bay, Wisconsin. Together Mitch and Sharon had two daughters, Rachel and Kasey, and four grandchildren who were the light of his life. Though Mitch often expressed his love in his own unique way, his children, Zachary Boucher, Rachel Boothe, and Kasey Hilton (Booth), were his world. Mitch was a devoted father who loved music, fishing, crafts, gardening, and was an all-around handyman. His talent for building and fixing anything was legendary; he would pour his heart into any project he set his mind to, often accompanied by his lively language.

Music was Mitch's true passion. His love and appreciation for music he passed along to his daughters, along with his craftmanship. His favorite album was Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd, and his favorite artists were Crosby Stills & Nash. He shared his musical love with friends and family, taking his siblings to concerts when they were young, his sister Kerry to her first concert and defending her bravely when needed. He used music to express his true feelings and emotions, having the perfect song to suit any situation. His brother Todd said it best “Mitch had the ears of an audiophile” he had a knack for recording music and gathering playlists, a talent he carried his entire life.

Mitch was a proud uncle to 16 nieces and nephews, as well as numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. He had special nicknames for each and every one—whether "Muppets" or "Monsters"—a testament to his affection and love for all the children in his life.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, his younger brother Darren, his brother-in-law Danny Domagala, Richard Long, his Uncle Jay Lamore, Aunt Orlee O’Keefe, his beloved dog Molly Dolly, and several good friends ready waiting for Mitch on the other side.

Mitchell is survived by his wife Sharon Boothe, his children Zachary (Jennifer), Rachel Boothe, and Kasey Hilton (Garrett), his grandchildren Trevor Booth, Willow McAllister, Gregg, and Phillip Hilton, and his parents James and Joy Boothe. He is also survived by his brother Todd (Janet), sister Kerry (Danny) Domagala, sisters-in-law Vicky Boothe (Darren), Linda Long (Richard), brother-in-law Gary Haone (Linda), and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Manteno Lake at a later date 2025, where friends and family can gather to celebrate his life and cherish his memory.