Lieutenant Colonel John J. McDermott OBITUARY
Lieutenant Colonel John J. McDermott, better known as “Jack,” 84, died on May 2, 2023, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, surrounded by three of his ?ve children. The love of his life, Barbara Jean McDermott, preceded him in death on May 1, 1981.
Jack was born in Brooklyn, New York, on October 28, 1938 to Mary Margaret and John Thomas McDermott and developed a special bond with his only sibling, his little sister Marilyn (Mickey). He also formed lifelong relationships in the neighborhood where he grew up, Jackson Heights, Queens, and in the beloved Jesuit educational institutions from which he graduated: Xavier High School (NYC) and College of the Holy Cross (Mass).
The grandson of Irish immigrants, Jack worked in a NY opera house, loved the Yankees, and, in college, ran track and joined the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC), beginning a proud career as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. He met Barbara Preiss in 1961 in Okinawa, and they were married the following year.
Amidst a short stint in Cuba and multiple deployments to Vietnam, they had three daughters and mourned the death of a newborn son. After multiple miscarriages, they were graced with a son and another daughter before grief again transformed the family when cancer took Barbara’s life.
Throughout his esteemed military career, he was honored with many medals and promotions that recognized his commitment to excellence. He earned a master’s degree in Human Resources Management at Pepperdine University and went on to a second career leading a large groundbreaking waste management enterprise, Escondido Disposal Inc. (EDI).
Southern California (Vista) was home for much of Jack’s life, a climate the New Yorker was happy to adopt. It was there he supported his ?ve children in their varied and rich endeavors that spanned most sports, drill team, speech competitions, student government, and many jobs and challenges. He was a devoted (and boisterous) regular at VHS football games long after his children had graduated. “McDaddy” was able to commute and manage career opportunities so that he could maintain an active family home that served as a gathering place for multiple generations of adopted daughters and sons. As his health declined, Daddy Jack moved to Georgia in 2019 to be cared for and enjoy time with his children there.
An avid runner, Jack moved through the world with con?dence and sought out joy and connection, evidenced by anyone who had the pleasure to see him dance or to join him on the ?oor. He loved music, especially “oldies,” and shared it with family and friends. In 2002, the ?rst of three grandchildren transformed him into Grandpoppy Jack. His youngest grandson, born in 2016, became his namesake, “Little Jack.” Community service was central to Jack’s values. He was an active leader in many organizations, including the Optimist and Rotary clubs, the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick, St. Francis Catholic church, and his children’s sports and civic interests.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Jean, son, Scot David McDermott, and his sister, Marilyn “Mickey” Lynch.
Jack is survived by his daughter Margaret Mary “Peggy” Bruning and son-in-law Mike Bruning and children Betheny, John, and David, their spouses and six grandchildren; daughter Diane McDermott; daughter Paula McDermott, son-in-law Matthew Scoggins and their children Bela Riga (21) and Ren Zeki (19) McScoggin; son Kevin McDermott and daughter Judy McDermott; partner Michael Spalding and their son, Jackson Luck Spalding (6).
During recent years, health issues severely limited Jack’s mobility, but he stayed uplifted and persevered with acceptance and graciousness. Wherever he went, Jack engaged with people with interest and wit.
The family would like to extend a special message of gratitude and appreciation to the communities at Thrive (Browwood) and Women’s Renew Ministry, who offered Jack loving support.
Contributions can be made in Jack’s honor to nonpro?ts he loved and supported: Warrior Freedom Service Dogs and Women’s Renew Ministry.
In the words of Daddy Jack, “Semper Fi” you will always be loved “bunches like bananas.” The family will receive friends 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM Tuesday with a Funeral Mass following at 10:30 AM at Heritage Funeral Home, Battlefield Parkway. A Celebration of Life will be held at 12:30 PM Tuesday at Calvary Chapel Chattanooga.
Visit www.heritagebattlefield.com to view the memorial tribute and share words of comfort with the family.
Arrangements by Heritage Funeral Home and Crematory, Battlefield Parkway.
