James "Mike" Michael Kettle

James Michael "Mike" Kettle died on October 27, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia at the age of 52 after a courageous yearlong battle with colon cancer. Mike is survived by his wife Gidget, children Miller, Abby and Maggie; parents, Jim and Marie Kettle (Myrtle Beach, South Carolina), siblings Dan Kettle (Fredon, NJ), Heather Layton (Brett) (Wilmington, NC), in-laws, Paul and Margaret Zurkowski (Beltsville, Maryland) brothers and sisters in laws, PC (Christine), Pam (Patrick), Patricia, Paula and Peter, many nieces and nephews, and countless other cherished family, friends and colleagues.

Mike was born on October 18, 1964 in Omaha, Nebraska. He grew up in Hampton, New Jersey and graduated from Kittatinny Regional High School in 1983, where he wrestled and played football. Mike went on to attend the University of Delaware where he majored in business / finance and continued his passion for wrestling. He graduated in 1987 and started a career with Merrill Lynch in Frederick, Maryland.

During his Junior year at the University of Delaware, Mike met the love of his life, Peggy Catherine Zurkowski, affectionally known as Gidget. They immediately "clicked", became best of friends, and dated the rest of their college days. They were truly the perfect match and ultimately married on April 28, 1990.

That same year, Mike decided to make a career change from finance to law. He and Gidget moved to South Bend, Indiana where Mike attended Notre Dame Law School, graduating in 1993. Upon graduation, Mike joined the law firm of Constangy, Brooks and Smith in Atlanta, Georgia. In 1998 Mike joined Rooms to Go, Inc. as Vice President and General Counsel. For 18 years, he was an integral part of RTG's success, helping the company grow from two stores in Florida to over 150 stores in 10 states.

Mike excelled in all his endeavors, was well respected in his career, and enjoyed many hobbies, such as tennis, golf, and running. Mike was best known for his compassion, loyalty and generosity. Mike's amazing family was paramount in his life: his lovely wife of 26 years, Gidget, son Miller, a sophomore at the Colorado School of Mines and daughters Abby and Maggie, currently students at Greater Atlanta Christian School. Mike touched the lives of many and left an indelible mark on the community. He will be dearly missed by his devoted family, friends and colleagues, but his smile, strength, and character will forever be remembered.

There will be a Celebration of Life on Tuesday, November 1st, 2016 from 6:30 – 9:30 pm at Smoke Rise Country Club, Stone Mountain Georgia. A funeral mass will be held Wednesday, November 2nd, 2016 at 11:00 am, with visitation at 10am at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Atlanta Georgia. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Mike's life. Donations in Mike's memory can be made to the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory Healthcare.


Funeral Home:
A. S. Turner & Sons
2773 North Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033