Jack C. Bryden, Jr., 84, of Hixson, Tennessee, passed away on March 6, 2025, in his home surrounded by his loved ones.
Jack was born in Chattanooga on April 2, 1940, to Jack C. and Thelma Catherine Bryden. He grew up in the Gobblers Peak area of East Chattanooga and graduated from Central High School in 1958. He attended the University of Chattanooga, served in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve from 1962 to 1968, and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He worked for Combustion Engineering, ABB, and Alstom Power for 44 years before retiring as a project engineer in 2003, where he started as a mail clerk and worked his way up to project engineer. Jack’s many accomplishments include being awarded the American Legion School Award in 1954, being named a Distinguished Citizen of Hamilton County in 2003, serving as senior warden at Thankful Memorial Episcopal Church 1985-1986, serving as a delegate to the TN State Convention of Episcopal Churches in 1986, and serving as an alternate delegate to the National Convention of Episcopal Churches.
In 1992, he designed and built a lake house in Soddy Daisy, where he lived for 25 years before downsizing and moving to Hixson. After retirement, he worked part-time for the Hamilton County property assessor's office. He was a St. Jude Catholic Church member and a charter member of the Knights of Columbus of the 4th degree. Jack was a diehard Tennessee Vols fan and held football season tickets for 45 years. He also loved boating and going to the beach.
He enjoyed coaching little league baseball, soccer, and youth wrestling for many years. Most of all,he loved spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.
Jack was preceded in death by his loving wife, Carolyn Anderson Bryden, of 63 years, his parents, Jack C. Bryden and Thelma Catherine Bryden, and his brother, James H. Short.
He is survived by his son, Jeffrey C. Bryden; daughter, Jennifer C. Massey (Jason); grandchildren, Payton C. Massey (Seaton), Allison Massey, Scott (Trevor), Ellie R. Bryden, and Fisher C. Bryden; and sister Judith Shelby.
Instead of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Jude Catholic Church and Hospice of Chattanooga.
The family will receive friends on Monday, March 10, from 6-8 p.m. and Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Chattanooga Funeral Home North Chapel, Hixson, TN.
A funeral mass will be on Tuesday, March 11, at 12:30 p.m. at St. Jude Catholic Church, 930 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, TN. 37415.
Interment will follow at Hamilton Memorial Gardens, 5351 Highway 153, Hixson, TN.
|