Jonathan “Jon” Cottrell, of Canton, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 19, 2018 at the age of 46.
He and his twin brother, Chris, came into the world as precious gifts as they were born on Christmas day in 1971. Jon was born in Mobile, Alabama and grew up in Central Florida. In 1986, the Cottrell Family moved to Marietta, Georgia. After graduating from Sprayberry High School, Jon attended The University of Georgia and obtained his bachelors in Economics in 1997.
In 2000, Jon met the love of his life, Keri, and two years later, the couple were married. Jon had two beautiful children: his first born, Zachary, in 2003 and his second child, Jesslyn, in 2005.
Jon had great work ethics: entrepreneurial spirit, determination and enjoying being his own boss. He and his brother, Chris, began their partnership together opening Planet Smoothie in Alpharetta. The Cottrell Twins later opened a smoothie bar at The Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creeks.
Jon later worked as a retail service specialist for Werner Ladders, a world leader in the manufacturing and distribution of climbing equipment and fall protection. He had also worked for his father’s business, Sunbelt Services. With more experience in retail services, Jon and Chris became partners with Cavallo Retail Services, which then sold to Apollo Retail Services. In 2015, Jon and his business partner, Ralph Kirk, kick started JRS Retail Services and successfully achieved growth in the industry.
Jon was a spiritual man. His relationship with the Lord grew with the devotion in his counseling with Pastor Allen Fleming of Throne of Grace Ministries. There is no doubt that Jon is in heaven entertaining Jesus and bringing great joy to all - the way he had done to each and every person in his life.
Jon’s memory will be cherished by his wife of 16 years, Keri Jones Cottrell; son, Zachary Joseph Cottrell (age 15); daughter, Jesslyn Raye Cottrell (age 12); parents, Michael Joseph Cottrell and Suzanne Boykin Cottrell; twin brother, Christopher Cottrell and his wife, Sarah; mother in law, Janet Newberry; sister in law, Beth Schmus and her husband, Chris aka “Moose”; nephews, Daniel, Nathan, Andrew and Zeke; nieces, Valiree and Charlee; extended family in Peachtree City, Georgia, Mobile, Alabama, Mauldin, Australia and Gautier, Mississippi; and Jon’s business partner and friend, Ralph Kirk of New Port Richey, Florida.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Throne of Grace Ministries PO Box 669153 Marietta, Georgia 30066 or at knowjesusknowgrace.com.
A Celebration of Jon’s Life will be held at noon on Saturday, November 10, 2018 at Woodstock Funeral Home 8855 Main Street Woodstock, Georgia 30188. All are invited to continue the celebration at 1783 Apple Boulevard Marietta, Georgia 30066 with Jon’s favorite things: FAMILY, FRIENDS, FOOTBALL and FOOD.
Jon, We Love You. You will be missed by all your family and friends.