Mr. Julius Ward "J.W." Irwin Jr.

J.W., a longtime resident of Chattanooga, was dedicated to serving and praising the Lord through his musical gifts of singing and playing the trumpet. He was a leader of music and in the orchestras in First Church of the Nazarene as well as Grace Church of the Nazarene. He was blessed to be a part of the orchestra and the award-winning choir at First Baptist Church in Cleveland, TN. In his earlier years, he was fortunate to be in the Class of 54 Central High School band, the Chattanooga Symphony, the National Guard Band, Morris Bales 129th Army Band, and the 98th Army Band. When J.W. was 18 years old, he was a featured trumpet soloist at the Ryman Auditorium for a Teachers of Tennessee convention.

J. W. was a design draftsman working for many companies including Combustion Engineering, Boeing, TNT, Ernest Homes Co., Weigel Engineering, Perry Smith and Dupont.

J.W. was preceded in death by his first wife, and mother of his children, Gwen Irwin; his father, Julius Ward Irwin, Sr., and his mother, Wilsie Malone Irwin.

He is survived by his loving, devoted wife of 14 years, Pat Irwin. J.W. and Pat had a wonderful life together traveling to Alaska, Hawaii, New York and many other places; always making new friends everywhere they went. J. W. had a vibrant sense of humor, always brightening everyone's day around him.

J.W. was survived by his sister, Gloria Wallen(niece Mary(David)Henley, and nephew, Matthew Wallen); his children: Jan(Mike) Bowden, Steve (Gwen) Irwin, and Sandra (Ben) Wyatt;grandchildren: Brian (Beth) Bowden, Rob (Britlee) Bowden, Melissa Bowden, Jason Nazaruk, Jeremy (Brianna) Nazaruk, Emily (Justin) Johnson, Melody (Shane) Kelley, Joey Ledwell, Sara Wyatt, Kelly (Matt)Adams, Blake Kirkland, Summer Munger, Preston (Emily) Munger and 20 great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

Even though he will be greatly missed by friends and family, we know he will be rejoicing in heaven with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Arrangements are under the care of the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com