J. Mario Mesa age 83 of Canton, GA, formerly of Edenton, NC and Ballston Lake, NY passed away at home Friday October 30, 2015. Mr. Mesa was born in Medellin, Colombia, South America. He attended school there and emigrated to the United States in 1956. He graduated from Southern Tech in Atlanta, GA as an Industrial Engineer. In 1957 he joined Cluett Peabody, a men's apparel company making Arrow Shirts, in a quality control position in Cali, Colombia. In 1959 he married Janis Clevenger and they subsequently raised three children in three different countries. The family later moved to Mexico City where they resided for several years. He then was transferred to Waremme, Belgium to build and manage a new Arrow factory. In 1975 he was promoted to Vice President of International and transferred to the corporate headquarters in New York City. During that time he married Patricia Comer in 1983. In 1987 he was promoted to President of International and the couple moved to Paris, France. Returning to New York after three years he continued as President of International until his retirement in 1994 after 36 years of dedicated service. Mr. Mesa was the personification of the immigrants dream. Mr. Mesa is survived by his wife of 32 years; Patricia Comer- Mesa, son; Robert (Christy) Mesa, daughters; Millie Gayle (David) Clarke, Sandra Rogers, seven grandchildren, one great grandchild and seven siblings in Colombia, South America. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 11:30AM Tuesday November 10, 2015 from the Chapel of Darby Funeral Home with a visitation prior from 10:30AM until service hour. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to American Cancer Society at https://donate.cancer.org/index . The caring staff of Darby Funeral Home is in charge of these arrangements.