JOHNSTON CITY — Johnston City has appointed an interim mayor following the passing of Mayor Jim Mitchell earlier this week.

At a meeting Thursday night, the city council voted city alderman Doug Dobbins in to take on the final two years of the term.

Dobbins will need to decide on vacating his spot as alderman and filling that position or continuing as mayor while also filling his position as alderman, which is likely to be done in the coming weeks.

Mitchell died Tuesday from his years long battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. He was 74.

A celebration of life service will be held at noon Saturday at the First Christian Church in West Frankfort. Military rites will be accorded by the Marion VFW Post 1301 and members of the Illinois National Guard Military Honors Team concluding the services at the church.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the church.

In honor of Mitchell’s request, his cremains will be scattered at a later date near the Pine Ridge Scout Camp in Jackson County.

The Pyle Funeral Home in Johnston City is in charge of arrangements.