James “Jim” Mengason, 88, of Dacula, Georgia, passed away unexpectedly on October 26, 2026 surrounded by his family.

Born in New York, New York, Jim grew up in Cordele, Georgia. He was a proud graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he earned a degree in Industrial Design. Following graduation, Jim served as an officer in the United States Navy, seeing the world and nurturing a lifelong love of the ocean and travel.

While designing sets for the Wilmington Opera Society, he met Barbara Fisher, who would become his beloved wife of 58 years. Together, they built a wonderful life and raised their family in Newtown.

Jim spent most of his professional career with Branson Ultrasonics, where he worked as an industrial designer and later Director of Marketing. His career reflected his unique ability to combine artistic vision, design, and innovation. He was well known in the industry as a pioneer in ultrasonic welding.

An artist at heart, Jim was creative and had an extraordinary visual appreciation for the world. This was reflected in nearly everything he did from his watercolor paintings to woodworking and his garden. Following his retirement in Dacula, Ga., he remained actively involved in local art groups, sharing his passion for the arts and enjoying the friendships and connections they brought.

Jim was an avid gardener. Since his retirement, he spent hours cultivating what friends referred to as Shangri-La. He also enjoyed spending time with his six grandchildren, skied well into his 80s, and swam multiple times per week. He and Barbara regularly attended the Atlanta Opera and were long time members to the Aurora Theatre in Lawrenceville.

Above all, Jim will be remembered for his warmth, kindness, and genuine love of people. He had a big smile, a warm laugh, and a wonderful way of making everyone feel welcome. When Jim greeted you, there was never any doubt that he was truly happy to see you. His caring nature, joyful spirit, and sincere interest in others left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Catherine Kotzas Mengason; and his sister, Anita Mengason.

He is survived by his wife Barbara Mengason; his daughter, Christina Mengason, and her children, Cameron and Callum Hood-Cree; and his son, Michael Mengason, and his wife, Suzanne Goucher, and their children, Elise, Genevieve, Evan, and Vivienne.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 15, at 3 pm, at The Galloping Galette Dacula, 2491 2nd Ave, Dacula GA 30019. Please join the family as we celebrate and remember Jim.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to The Aurora Theatre (auroratheatre.com/individual-giving) in loving memory of Jim.

Jim will be deeply missed but will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Condolences may be sent or viewed at wagesfuneralhome.com. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service in Lawrenceville, Ga., and Lawrenceville Chapel have been entrusted with the arrangements.