John Ira Mitchell, Jr.

John Ira Mitchell, Jr. January 24, 1939 – February 5, 2026

John Ira Mitchell, Jr., born January 24, 1939, in Newnan, Georgia, lived a life marked by leadership, service, faith and love for family. He was the son of John Ira Mitchell, Sr. and Eleanor Mitchell.

John graduated from Newnan High School in 1957. He began his college education at Georgia Institute of Technology before transferring to Emory University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1962 with a double major in Finance and Accounting. He began his professional career as a Certified Public Accountant with Arthur Young in Atlanta and Augusta, building a strong foundation for what would become a distinguished career in business. During this period, he also faithfully served in the United States Army Reserves, completing his service in 1963.

A gifted and natural businessman, John held executive leadership roles throughout his career. Most notably, he served as an executive at Rock-Tenn Company from 1967 to 1980. He later became President and CFO of Delites Restaurant, where his financial expertise and steady leadership helped guide the company through bankruptcy and restructuring.

Outside of work, John embraced life with enthusiasm. He was an avid fisherman who spent countless hours on Lake Lanier, where he lived for many years before moving to Norcross, Georgia. His love of the water eventually led him to Shellman’s Bluff near Pooler, Georgia, where he operated a boat marina before retiring in 2003.

John was deeply involved in his community. He served as a board member for several civic organizations including the American Cancer Society and as President and standing member of the Rotary Club in both Norcross and Pooler, Georgia. A man of faith, he was an active member of the Presbyterian Church serving as a ruling Elder and as the Choir Director at Deer Creek Shores Presbyterian Church in Cumming, Georgia. John enjoyed music and continued to sing in several church choirs throughout his life.

In 2010, John moved to Cleveland, Georgia, to be closer to family. There he enjoyed daily walks, time with his beloved Scottish terrier, and his lifelong passion for reading. He served on the White County Public Library Board, continuing his pattern of service to his community.

John was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Doris Miller of Newnan, Georgia.

He is survived by his two sons, Allen (Monica) Mitchell of Coppell, Texas, and Drew (Tracy) Mitchell of Cleveland, Georgia; and his three grandsons, Cole, Mason, and Connor Mitchell. He is also survived by his stepsons, Bill (Donna) Simpson of Madison, Alabama, and Ryan (Nicole) Simpson of Franklin, Tennessee and their children; his niece, Melinda (Gary) Holland of French Lick, Indiana; and his nephew, Clint (Gail) Miller of Jasper, Georgia.

The family chooses to remember their father and grandfather at a private gathering. To honor John’s passion for reading, donations can be placed in his name to the White County Public Library, 10 Colonial Drive, Cleveland, Georgia 30528.

Barrett Funeral Home of Cleveland | (706) 865-3101