John (Jay) Thomas Kuhn, 57, of Canton, GA, passed away on November 6, 2023. The second of four children, Jay was born on July 16, 1966, and spent his childhood in Muscatine Iowa, graduating from Muscatine High School in 1985. He was an adoring and adventurous child, always on the run, and he truly enjoyed all the freedom of his youth. Naturally athletic, Jay (or little JJ as he was affectionately nicknamed) excelled in sports, especially tennis, qualifying for the state tournament multiple years, much to the delight of his very proud parents. With his vibrant personality, combined with his kind spirit, Jay amassed so many friends and second families throughout his life.

Jay had a successful career in the food manufacturing industry, working at esteemed companies such as Keebler, Kellogg, Bimbo Bakeries, Weston Foods, and most recently EPI Breads in Atlanta, GA. He was a highly skilled Plant Manager who was consistently sought out for his expertise in turning struggling operations into successful and efficient plants. Jay was a great leader to the many he led throughout his career, and was passionate about creating strong, cohesive teams and elevating his staff.

Outside of his professional life, Jay had a variety of interests and hobbies. He was an avid college football fan, with a particular passion for his beloved University of Iowa Hawkeyes. GO HAWKS! He enjoyed golfing, hunting, and spending time soaking up the sun, wherever he was. Jay was a grill master and became legendary as the guy that could grill anything. Creating new recipes and cooking brought him great joy - and his family and friends sure didn't mind his passion for cooking either! But above all, Jay loved just spending time with the love of his life, Jan, and "his girls" – Taylor, Sydney, Sara and Kate – checking out another college football stadium, playing cards, sharing a meal, just being together.

Left to cherish Jay and hold him forever in their hearts are his wife, Jan Kuhn, his daughters Margaret (Taylor) Kuhn, Sydney Kuhn, Sara Goodwin, and Mary Katherine (Kate) Goodwin, his father John Kuhn Sr, his mother Margaret Kuhn, his sister Christina Kuhn (Marc Griggs), his brother Steve Kuhn, and a host of nieces, nephews, colleagues and friends. He was preceded in death by his sister Shelly Leonard (Dan).

A memorial service to celebrate Jay's life will be held at The Heritage Club in Canton, GA, on February 17, 2024, at 2:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that contributions be made in Jay's memory to the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital, or an animal rescue organization of your choosing.

The caring staff of Darby Funeral Home is honored to serve the Kuhn family.