Page 34 - Lubbock Senior Link Magazine Summer 2022 - Online Magazine

avid antique collectors and have conscious of life—more saddened
classes in the basement of the
courthouse led to a degree in
Law Enforcement from Wayland
Baptist College in 1977. That year,
he became the first ID officer in the
county after learning to process
crime scene fingerprints.
He served at the Sheriff’s Office
from 1975 until his retirement
in 1999, and then went to
work for the US Marshals as a
district security officer in 2013.
A knee replacement a few years
ago expedited his permanent
retirement. He had built a solid
career, but law enforcement wasn’t
his whole life.
In 1974, he and Sonja built the
home where they still reside on
one acre in West
Lubbock. “We are
both ‘Wannabe
Cowboys,’ and we
own the smallest
ranch in Texas,” Sonja
said. The little ranch
is home to a herd
of three miniature
horses and a donkey
named Lucy. They are
34 Lubbock Senior Link
crafted indoor and outdoor spaces by ugliness but more delighted in
that are delightful to behold in the goodness of people. I’ve seen it
every direction. Although it's filled on both sides of the bars.”
with memorabilia of bygone eras,
their home bears no resemblance Their charming little “ranch”
to a museum. Rather than dusty provides several comfy spots
and sepia-toned, it's colorful and to rest on their laurels, but Jack
fascinating, just like Jack and Sonja and Sonja Mitchell don’t know
themselves. the meaning of those words.
They have both served as Ranch
They raised two amazing children Hosts at the Ranching Heritage
in that house—Chrystle, who Center for many years, and Jack
served 21 years in the Navy is currently president of the RHC
and now works for the federal Volunteer Board. They both get
government in Washington DC; up every morning at 4:30. Amid
and Trae, also a Navy vet, who dozens of other activities, Sonja is
served with the Lubbock County a phenomenal paper crafter and is
Sheriff’s Department for 24 years. creating delightful little interactive
Bibles for her Sunday school
Sonja worked for Dr. Golightly at class. Jack stays busy building the
Highland Hospital for 18 years. projects that Sonja designs, caring
She would often accompany Jack for his herd, curating his vast
to crime scenes but could never collection of hands-on antiques,
“cross the yellow line,” so she leatherworking, and maintaining
spent a lot of hours waiting in the the structures on the ranch, which
car. Jack suggested she become includes a barn called Lucy’s
a reservist. So, Sonja continued Diner, a “General Store” to house
to work full time and took night many more antiques, a life-size
classes. She ended up working Statue of Liberty, and a vintage
in the same jail that Jack had chuck wagon.
worked in downtown. The fearless
fifty-year-old walked the beat The Mitchells have five
by herself at 2:00 AM, checking grandchildren and one great
the doors of the courthouse and grandchild. Even in retirement,
other buildings. She served for they are energetic, resourceful,
nearly 12 years with the Sheriff's generous, hospitable, artistic,
Department. and hard-working; they exhibit
countless other attributes that add
Sonja said, “I've always had up to thriving. It appears, Jack’s
a happy nature, but law dad made a wise move.
enforcement made me more