Jim Mitchum, the eldest son of Hollywood legend Robert Mitchum, passed away on September 20, 2025, at his ranch in Skull Valley, Arizona, following a long illness. He was 84. Surrounded by loved ones, he left behind a legacy of quiet strength and authenticity that mirrored his father’s timeless appeal.

Born May 8, 1941, in Los Angeles, Jim shared his father’s rugged looks and cool demeanor. Though his mother hoped he’d avoid the movie business, he debuted at eight in Colorado Territory (1949). His breakout came with the 1958 cult classic Thunder Road, originally meant for Elvis Presley. Playing alongside his father, Jim captured the spirit of rebellious youth and became a drive-in favorite through the 1970s.

Over a career spanning more than thirty films, he built his own reputation as a steady, understated actor. His credits include In Harm’s Way (1965), Ambush Bay (1966), and Moonrunners (1975), the film that inspired The Dukes of Hazzard. Jim even released a single, “Lonely Birthday,” in 1961, though it never charted.

In interviews, Jim was famously candid about Hollywood’s changing nature. “It’s sad to see it’s not magic anymore,” he once said. “They’d put dog food on the screen if it made a profit.” His plainspoken views earned him respect for his honesty and his independence.

By the 1990s, he left Hollywood behind to live a quieter life on his Arizona ranch, raising horses and creating a line of premium moonshine inspired by his father’s films.

Jim’s personal life included three marriages — to Wende Wagner, Vivian Ferrand, and later Pamela K. Smith, who was with him at his passing.

He is survived by his four children, stepdaughter, siblings, and grandchildren — and remembered as a man who lived with grit, humility, and an unyielding love for the simple things.