Justin Mistal

Justin James “Jayme” Mistal passed from this life to the next on February 3rd, 2023, suffering a massive heart attack at his home.

Jayme was born in Orlando, Florida on December 30, 1986, to Kathy and Peter Mistal. He grew up in Flowood, Mississippi. He finished high school in 2003 at Northwest Rankin High School and matriculated at Mississippi College in Clinton, MS where he later pursued an MBA. In college and graduate school, despite being a father and working full time at Copper Sculptures, Inc., he distinguished himself as President’s and Dean’s List scholar, graduating magna cum laude with numerous awards, including the Eduardo Distinction and the Sandra Parks Honor Accounting Award.

After graduating with a degree in accounting in 2010, he earned his CPA and started his career at the Mississippi accounting firm of Haddox, Reid, Eubanks, Betts as a specialist in auditing. In 2018, he joined the Sunray Corporation as Director (CFO) of Accounting and Finance.  He was a member in good standing of AICPA and the Mississippi Society of CPAs. Jayme will be remembered for his strong work ethic. He engaged his accounting work with the same excellence and earnest rigor as his friendships.

In 2005, he married his high school sweetheart, Kim Shook. Together, Jayme and Kim had two children, Avery and Eden who now reside with their mother on the Ross Barnett Reservoir in Brandon. Jayme enjoyed fishing with his father and brother in Arkansas, hiking in the Grand Tetons, kayaking on the reservoir, playing frisbee golf with friends, and traveling in Europe with Kim. He especially enjoyed live music and festivals. He will be remembered as a dedicated friend who invited, welcomed, and encouraged others into communion. He was the beating heart of a warm fellowship of friends that endured since high school. Most of all, he will be remembered as a father who loved his children, Eden, and Avery, more than life itself. The exceeding quality of their character is a testament to Jayme’s love for them.

Jayme epitomized the maxim “Still waters run deep.” While some say little but use many words, Jayme said much using few words. His signature dimpled grin and the generous use of the salutation, “brother” revealed the tip of an enormous iceberg of empathy and care that lay beneath the surface. While he enjoyed a good party he also hungered for meaningful conversations about life, politics, and God. While some people enter such conversations to exercise their egos, Jayme listened deeply for wisdom wherever he might find it. He did not wear his Christian faith as badge but sought to embody it in the quality of his life and in the unconditional love he showed for others.

He is survived by his ex-wife, Kim Shook; children, Avery James Mistal, and Eden Lynn Mistal, of Brandon, MS; parents Kathy Mistal of Flowood, MS, and Peter Mistal (Gail) of Brandon, MS; siblings, Matthew Cary Mistal (Erin) of Bethel, CT, and Katie Jonell Mistal Brasel (Joe) of Jackson, MS; step siblings, Kara Payne of Madison, MS and Jenna Davis of Brandon, MS; uncle David F. White (Melissa) of Austin, TX.

Jayme is preceded in death by his grandparents, James and Jonell White of Brandon, MS and Mary Alice and John Mistal of Clearwater, FL, and his aunt, Susan Pope (Peter) of Madison, MS.

Services will be held at Oakdale Baptist Church (1872 hwy 471, Brandon, MS) on Saturday, February 11 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation at 10:00 a.m. There will be a reception following in the church fellowship hall.