Community Leader & Former Mayor of Statesville
John Marshall is a lifelong civic leader, dedicated businessman, and former mayor whose decades of service have left a positive mark on the Statesville community. A 1963 graduate of Statesville High School, Mr. Marshall’s journey in higher education began at Mitchell College, where he graduated in 1965 before earning a Bachelor of Science in Economics from High Point College in 1967.
A Legacy of Civic Leadership Throughout his career, Mr. Marshall has defined what it means to be a “citizen-leader.” His commitment to Statesville’s growth is reflected in his leadership across numerous organizations, including the Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Revitalization Committee, and the Statesville Merchants Association. He was also a driving force behind beloved community traditions like the Carolina Dogwood Festival.
His heart for service extended into the nonprofit sector, where he championed causes for the United Way, the American Cancer Society, the Iredell County Day Care Center for Handicapped Children, and the N.B. Mills PTA.
Vision for the Future Mr. Marshall played a pivotal role in the physical and economic transformation of our city. Through his work with the Downtown Statesville Development Corporation and Preservation Statesville, he helped ensure that our community’s history was protected even as it grew. His influence reached into the classroom as well, through his service with American Renaissance Charter and Middle Schools.
In recognition of this tireless work, he was honored with the Jaycees Distinguished Service Award in 1979 and named the Statesville Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 2005.
Two Decades of Public Service Mr. Marshall’s dedication to the City of Statesville eventually led him to elected office, where he served for twenty years. After serving as a Ward 4 City Council Member (1985–1993) and Mayor Pro Tem, he was elected Mayor of Statesville, a role he held with distinction from 1994 to 2005.
Entrepreneurship and the Arts Beyond his public life, Mr. Marshall is a respected local entrepreneur as the owner of Statesville Jewelry and Loan. He is also a man of deep faith and a patron of the arts; a longtime member of Forest Park Presbyterian Church, he has served as a choir member, youth advisor, and Sunday School teacher. In a testament to his diverse talents, he once held the baton to conduct the Charlotte Symphony.
John Marshall is married to his wife, Linda, and is the proud father of two children, Edward and Anne. For his enduring commitment to his alma mater and his unwavering service to the people of Statesville, Mitchell Community College is honored to present him with the Distinguished Alumni Award.