In the close-knit community of St. Stephen, South Carolina, James Edwin 'Jamie' Mitchum, Jr. was known as an adventurous and generous man. The 58-year-old owner and operator of Mitchum's Construction, Inc., had a passion for life that he eagerly shared with family and friends. A licensed helicopter and airplane pilot, he found joy in the air and on the water, often taking loved ones along on his excursions.
His nature was to share the unique perspectives and beautiful scenery he was able to witness, whether from his boat on the open water or from the cockpit of his plane high above the landscape. A dedicated family man and a volunteer with the Berkeley County Rescue Squad, his life was one of connection and service to his community.
On the morning of October 25, 2018, Jamie Mitchum, along with four other individuals, departed from Robert F. Swinnie Airport in Andrews, South Carolina, in a twin-engine Piper PA-31 aircraft. Their destination was Governor's Harbour Airport in the Bahamas, a trip that promised adventure and new memories. The flight began uneventfully, ascending over the Atlantic Ocean. However, less than an hour into the journey, as the plane flew about 110 miles east of Charleston, the pilot made a distressing and garbled radio transmission to air traffic control, declaring an in-flight emergency. Shortly after the call, at approximately 11:33 a.m., the aircraft disappeared from radar.
The United States Coast Guard immediately launched an extensive search and rescue operation, scouring thousands of square miles of the Atlantic Ocean. Despite their efforts, which involved multiple aircraft and cutters, no sign of the plane or its occupants was ever found. The search was eventually suspended, leaving the families and community in a state of profound uncertainty and grief. James Edwin 'Jamie' Mitchum, Jr. was declared lost at sea. The case is a heartbreaking account of a routine flight that ended in tragedy, leaving behind unanswered questions. The final moments of the flight, marked by a sudden emergency call and a rapid descent, point to a catastrophic event, but without wreckage or survivors, the specific cause remains unknown. This overview reflects the sudden and tragic end to the lives of five individuals who embarked on a journey that morning, leaving a void in the hearts of those who knew and loved them.Last Seen: Oct 25, 2018
