More than 500 family and friends packed St. Patrick’s Church, Nulkaba last Thursday for the fallen miner’s funeral.

Mr. Mitchell and Phillip Grant from Metford were both killed on April 15, when a wall of coal collapsed while they were working underground at Paxton’s Austar coal mine.

On Thursday, Mr. Mitchell’s family and friends paid tribute to the 49-year-old father-of-five as a man who loved his sport, his fishing and his job.

His best friend Harvey Jobson described him as the most hard-working man he had ever met.

“He would never knock back any task that was asked of him and he would always turn up for work,” he said.

Mr. Mitchell’s work colleague, Justin Peterkin, also spoke of his dedication to his job and said that he was always the first at work and the last to leave.

During the service, pictures of Mr. Mitchell’s life were played along with songs from his favourite band Nickelback. 

Family members also wore Sydney Roosters jerseys – Mr. Mitchell’s favourite team – with his name written on the back and released red, white and blue balloons at the conclusion of the service. 

Mr. Mitchell grew up in Cessnock and was a reputable sportsman in his school years, excelling in athletics and rugby league. 

He first started working in the coal industry in 1979 when he was 16-years-old at the Old Pelton Colliery and would continue working in the mines for the next 33 years. 

In a statement released the day before the funeral, his father Jim Mitchell said that his son became a very experienced miner in all aspects of the industry and most of all doing a job that he loved to do. 

“Words cannot describe the feeling of utter devastation regarding the loss of Jamie, who was a much-loved son, brother, uncle and father,” he said.

“One of his favourite sayings while at work was ‘I can’t believe they pay me to do this.”

“Jamie loved life and enjoyed shooting, fishing, motorbikes and most of all partying.”

Mr. Mitchell is survived by his children Ryan, Renae, Cameron, James and Jessie, and his new granddaughter Layla, who he never got to see.

On Thursday a guard of honour stretched more than 300 metres outside the church as the hearse departed the service. 

A similar scene occurred the Monday prior (April 28) in Bathurst, for the funeral of 35-year-old Phillip Grant.

Three busloads of Mr. Grant’s Austar work colleagues travelled to his home town for the service. 

In a statement released by his family, Mr. Grant was described as a devoted father.

“We are devastated by the loss of Phillip, a much loved son, brother and father,” the statement read.

“Phillip had a passion for V8 car racing and enjoyed the outdoors particularly on his surf ski and push bike. 

“Above all, he was a devoted father to his seven-year-old son Shaun. 

“Phillip’s favourite time was spent with Shaun – in the main in BMX bike riding, swimming and activities at Nippers at Newcastle Surf Lifesaving Club.” 

Mr. Grant grew up in Bathurst and was an excellent swimmer during his school days. He also enjoyed playing tennis, cricket, soccer and hockey. 

After finishing his apprenticeship as a fitter welder he worked as a fitter for several years in Bathurst and Newcastle. He then worked in underground coal mining for eight years and was working towards becoming a deputy. 

Mr. Grant is survived by son Shaun, his parents James and Carmel and his brother Michael. 

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