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 to 8 pm on Monday, January 21, and 12:30 to 2:30 pm on Tuesday at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.
A Celebration of Life service for John will follow at 2:30 pm 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.
