McFalls, John Joseph “Jay” Sr.

World War II Veteran Was A Journeyman Pattern Maker

  • Sunday, March 20, 2022
John Joseph “Jay” McFalls, Sr.
John Joseph “Jay” McFalls, Sr.
John Joseph “Jay” McFalls, Sr. died on March 16, 2022 after a long and bountiful life.
 
Born in Evensville, Tn., on Nov. 14, 1926, Jay never knew a stranger. Jay met his wife, Vivian Pell, at the Margate Hosiery Mill when they were teenagers, and they married soon after. Jay fought bravely in the South Pacific theatre of World War II with the Army Corps of Engineers and returned home in 1947 to start anew in Chattanooga. Jay and Vivian built a loving home for their three children and the many young people they considered family along the way.
 
A lifelong community servant, Jay mentored his coworkers as a journeyman pattern maker at the Foundry Pattern Service and was their union president for many years. He served Chattanooga as president of the local Civitan Club and was later Block Captain for his Midfield Acres community. He was active in his children’s lives, founding the Tyner Youth League, coaching little-league baseball and attending countless performances, and was most proud to see them become happy adults. In retirement, Jay stayed busy by reading as many history books as possible, holding weekly country and gospel music performances at Martin Boyd Retirement Home and the VA Clinic, keeping an extensive garden, and, in general, minding everyone’s business. After Vivian’s death in 2014, Jay visited the Chattanooga National Cemetery daily. Locals and visitors admired his devotion, and his circle of loved ones expanded.
 
Most recently, Jay recorded music with the Freedom Sings USA veteran’s organization, was recognized by the VA as its most outstanding volunteer, was named a 2020 “Tennessee Treasure” by the Chief John Ross chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and was profiled by WUTC radio for its Valentine’s Day 2022 edition.
 
Jay treated everyone he met as family and entertained anyone who would listen with a story and a song. He never forgot a name and gave his love to all in need. His life is a testament to what kindness and a daily serving of cornbread can do for the soul.
 
Jay was predeceased by his wife Vivian (Pell) McFalls, infant son Carlos Devaniel, parents Utah Brown and Icy Pearl (Reed) McFalls, brother Floyd McFalls, and sisters Garvia (Trigger) Roberts, Emma (Ted) Byrd, Bertha (John) Smith, Opal (Max) Rector, and Katherine (Tom) Miller.

Many will mourn Jay’s passing, including daughters Brenda Williams and Rhonda (Jim) Catanzaro, son Joe (Lara Beth) McFalls, brothers Carlos (Shirley) McFalls, Charles (Margaret) McFalls, Billy Ray (Merella) McFalls, sisters Mickey (George) Mosolgo, Betty Fay (Bobby) Clack, sisters-in-law Ruth (Bob) Black and Reita Joyce (Charles) Kelley, grandchildren Paul (Sandy) Williams, Scott Williams, Dianne (Charles) Hughes, Jim (Marybeth) Catanzaro, Lucas McFalls, Kaycee McFalls, and several great- and great-great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
 
A celebration of Jay’s life will be held at the Chattanooga National Cemetery. Friends are welcome to join the family at a graveside service on April 8, at 11 a.m.
 
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements are by the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist.  7414 Old Lee Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37421. 
 
Memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.chattanoogavalleyviewchapel.com.   
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