Farr, John Paalzow

Longtime Teacher, Professor, And Wrestling Coach

  • Saturday, January 19, 2019
John Paalzow Farr
John Paalzow Farr

John Paalzow Farr, 84, of Red Bank, passed away on Friday, January 18, 2019.

John was born in Chattanooga to the late George Harris and Betty Paalzow Farr.  He attended Rita Wert Elementary School, graduated from The Baylor School and earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Chattanooga.  He got his Masters at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and a Doctorate Degree at Middle Tennessee State University.  John served our country for over 30 years in the Army and retired as a Lt. Colonel.  John taught in the public schools at Red Bank High School where he started the wrestling program, Chattanooga Central, and Sale Creek. Farr coached Red Bank to a then record three straight state wrestling championships.  Coach Farr started the wrestling program at Chattanooga State, directed state tournaments, officiated NCAA Division I tournaments and served on the High School National Federation Wrestling Rules Committee and advisory boards.  He retired from Chattanooga State Community College as head of the humanity department. John was a member of three halls of fame: Greater Chattanooga Area Sports Hall of Fame, TSSAA and the Tennessee Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.  He was president of the Greater Chattanooga Area Sports Hall of Fame, member of Incline Investors Club, Chattanooga Area Historical Association, North River Kiwanis Club and Red Bank Historical Association.

John is survived by his wife of 48 years, Delores J. Farr; children, John (Peggy) Farr, Jr. and Ginger (Ed) Krubka; grandchildren, John III, Amber and Kendall; great-granddaughter, Madelyn. 

The family will receive friends from 4-8 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 21, and 12:30-2:30 p.m. on Tuesday at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home. 

A Celebration of Life service for John will follow at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home with Dr. Steve Highlander and John T. Smithson, III officiating.  Burial will be in Chattanooga Memorial Park.

Contributions may be made in John’s name to the Wrestling Coaches Scholarship Fund. 

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, Tn. 37343.  

Please share your thoughts and memories atwww.chattanooganorthchapel.com.

Obituaries
Glendora Johnson
Glendora Johnson
  • 3/26/2024

Glendora V. Johnson, (aka. Mother, Nanny, Aunt Glen) was born on March 27, 1927, to the late Tom and Flora Smith in Bakewell, Tn. She was the youngest of nine children and was a graduate of Booker ... more

Ruth Teague Kolwyck
Ruth Teague Kolwyck
  • 3/26/2024

Ruth Teague Kolwyck, 86, of Chickamauga, Georgia, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 26, 2024. Born in Tate, Ga., Mrs. Kolwyck was a lifelong resident of the Chattanooga and ... more

Marvin Kenneth Dedmon
Marvin Kenneth Dedmon
  • 3/26/2024

Marvin Kenneth Dedmon, 85, of East Ridge, passed away on March 26, 2024 at his residence surrounded by his family. Marvin was born in Ringgold, on Nov. 29, 1938 to the late Woodrow and Irene ... more