SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Joey Mitchell, longtime Sacramento radio host, has died at 77.
Mitchell died Sunday evening after battling interstitial lung disease complicated by pneumonia, according to a news release from his friend and coworker of 40 years, Jim Hall. Mitchell was surrounded by family at the time of his passing, Hall said.
A beloved radio DJ and familiar voice on Sacramento airwaves for over 50 years, Mitchell could be heard on stations like 1140 KRAK Country, Cool Oldies 101.1 and 101.5 KHITS.
Mitchell signed off after 51 years in radio in March 2021. In an exit interview with ABC10’s Mark S. Allen, Mitchell told the story of how he was arrested by U.S. Secret Service agents at McClellan Air Force Base for trying to put a bumper sticker for his show on Air Force One while President Bill Clinton was visiting. The charges were dropped once the federal agency found out it was "a gag."
He shared with ABC10 at the time that his career highlights involved interviewing Oprah Winfrey and hiring Lester Holt as an intern.
In honor of Mitchell’s legacy, the family requests privacy and that, in lieu of gifts or flowers, donations be made to the “Make A Wish” foundation in his name.
“This gesture would be a fitting tribute to Joey’s generous spirit and his lifelong commitment to bringing happiness to others, especially children facing challenging circumstances,” Hall said in a statement. “Joey’s warm presence will be dearly missed, but his impact on the community and the lives he touched will continue to resonate.”
Mitchell’s family plans on holding a “Celebration of Life” at a later date for his friends, listeners and supporters, according to Hall.
“As we mourn the loss of a local legend, let us honor Joey’s memory by spreading laughter, kindness and fulfilling the wishes of children in need, just as he would have wished,” Hall said.
“Make A Wish” donations affiliated with Mitchell can be made HERE.
