James Hamilton Mewborne, Jr. (Jim), age 81, of Dahlonega, Georgia died peacefully on Thursday, October 21, 2021, surrounded by members of his loving family.

Jim was born in Asheville, NC on May 25, 1940, the son of the late James Hamilton "Ham" Mewborne, Sr. and Lucille Wilson Mewborne. He grew up in Greenville, SC and Winder, GA. After graduating from Winder Barrow High School in 1958 he attended the University of Georgia and earned a degree in Journalism in 1962. That same year he married his college sweetheart, Anne Weaver of Ocala, FL, and after 59 years of marriage she was at his side when he took his final breath.

Following a brief career with Fireman's Fund in Atlanta and Tampa, Jim moved his growing family to Ocala, FL where he started his own business, Jiffy Food Stores of Anthony, Inc., which he owned and operated for 28 years. He was a well-known and beloved part of that community, and his stores became a favorite gathering place where locals would grab coffee before work, a quick lunch at midday, and something cold to drink after work, all while catching up on the latest gossip. After selling the Jiffy Stores, he and Anne opened and operated the Pak Mail store in Ocala where they worked together for 13 years until they retired and relocated to Gainesville, GA.

Jim was a passionate, lifelong supporter of UGA football and a true Dawg at heart. He read recruiting reports, knew the names of the players and coaches, and watched or listened to their games religiously. He also loved the outdoors and enjoyed deer, duck, dove, and quail hunting, as well as fishing, and frog gigging. He had a great sense of humor and was a wonderful storyteller, often recounting with hilarity the odd things that occurred at his stores over the years or the pranks that he pulled on his friends.

Jim was fascinated by genealogy and enjoyed connecting with distant relatives to better understand his family lineage that traces back to eastern North Carolina in the early 1700's. Whenever he traveled, he would search the local phone book for anyone with the surname Mewborne and call them to ask about their family history to help in his research.

He is survived by his wife, Anne Mewborne of Dahlonega, GA; his children Kim Mewborne Strube (Ted) of Blue Ridge, GA, Pat Mewborne Baudin (Brett) of Gainesville, GA, Jay Mewborne (Stacy) of Tavares, FL, and Jack Mewborne (Rebecca) of Raleigh, NC; and his 14 grandchildren, all of whom he adored. He was predeceased by his sister Jackie Mewborne Hendricks.

The family is having a private memorial service in Gainesville, GA. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association.

To share a memory or a condolence with the family visit Mr. Mewborne's online guestbook at andersonunderwood.com.

Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home, 2068 Highway 19 North, Dahlonega, GA 30533