John "Jack" Francis Cawthon

John Francis Cawthon passed away peacefully at his home in Nashville, Tennessee surrounded by loved ones on October 21, 2026, he was 80 years old. A proud Nashville restaurateur, community builder, father, grandfather and friend, John “Jack” Cawthon built a life around hard work, generous hospitality, and a deep love for the people and places that shaped him.

Born in Franklin Tennessee in 1946 to his parents, George and Francis Reynolds Cawthon, Jack grew up on a 150 acre family farm along Split Log Road along with his three older siblings. His roots in middle Tennessee remained central to his story throughout his life.

Jack's path began far from the restaurant kitchen. After graduating from Franklin high school in 1964 he trained in upholstery and worked in country clubs before moving into management at the Nashville city club. Those early jobs taught him the value of service, attention to detail, and making people feel welcome. Jack also served six years in the Tennessee National Guard and later credited Dale Carnegie training with helping him become a stronger leader and communicator.

On July 4, 1976, Jack founded Cawthon’s Caterers, beginning a career that would become one of Nashville’s defining local business stories. Jeopardy! Host Alex Trebek referred to Jack as “ The Bar-B-Que King of Nashville”. In 1991, he opened Jack’s Bar-B-Que on Lower Broadway and First, when the district was still finding its way. With a commitment to authentic barbecue and warm personal service Jack helped welcome generations of Nashvillians and visitors. In 1992, Jack opened his second barbecue restaurant on Trinity Lane. In 1994, he moved his first restaurant from 100 Broadway down to the iconic 416 Broadway. Then, in 2013 Jack opened his third and final restaurant on Charlotte Avenue, completing the trifecta of the three flying pigs. Over five decades, the business grew into a beloved part of the city’s food and music culture.

July 2026, Jack celebrated 50 years of Jacks Bar-B-Que! As we celebrated the 50th anniversary, Jack celebrated the transition of leadership to his son Jay Cawthon as President and Kyle Taylor Israel as a Vice President of Operations, while remaining connected to the company as its Founder and Chairman Emeritus.

Jack's influence reached beyond his restaurants. Jack was one of the founding members and guiding lights of Nashville Lower Broadway Renaissance. Jack was a visionary, he championed neighborhoods revitalization, and worked with community and business groups to strengthen Dickerson Pike, Trinity Lane, Lower Broadway, and Charlotte Avenue. He believed that local businesses could help a neighborhood thrive, and he gave his time and efforts that brought people together around that belief. He supported charitable causes, local commerce, and the time honored tradition of Southern hospitality.

Jack will be remembered for his entrepreneurial spirit, his unmistakable pride in Nashville, his generosity, and the personal way he made people feel seen. Above all, he leaves a legacy built not only in restaurants but in relationships, opportunities, and the city he helped shape.

Family was at the heart of Jack’s life. He was the proud father of Elizabeth Rose “ Liz” Cawthon and Jay Hamilton Cawthon , and the devoted grandfather of Finn Oliver Cawthon. He took particular pride in the next generation carrying the family business forward.

Jack is survived by his daughter Elizabeth Cawthon; his son Jay Hamilton Cawthon and wife, Stacey; His grandson, Finn Oliver Cawthon; his brother, George Cawthon, and wife Ruth; his sister, Sarah Chisenhall; and several beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Linda Redman Cawthon; his parents, George and Francis Reynolds Cawthon; his brother Jim Cawthon; and his brother-in-law, Jerry Chisenhall.

Jack drew strength from his faith and his Irish heritage. The Cathedral of the incarnation held a special place in his family story: his mother graduated there and married there in 1936 and Jack made his first communion there in 1953. He also cherished memories of Camp Marymount and the McEwen Saint Patrick’s celebrations.

Jack Cawthon, a man who spent his life building something bigger than himself, and his story will remain woven in the hearts of Nashville for generations to come.

Jack often shared a simple piece of wisdom “ you will never know if you never try”. These words were more than a favorite saying, they were a philosophy by which he lived. Because Jack Cawthon dared to try, Nashville will always have a little more flavor, a little more history and a story worth telling.

Visitation will be Wednesday, October 28, 2026 11:00 to 3:00 open to public at Marshall-Donnelly-Combs funeral home, 201 25th Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37203

Celebration of Life will be Wednesday October 28th, 2026 5:00-7:00pm at Fleming Hall in The Cathedral of the Incarnation, open to public

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, October 29th, 2026 at The Cathedral of the Incarnation 2015 West End, Nashville, TN. with a open visitation from 9:30 am-10:00 am, and a 10:00 am Mass, open to public.

In lieu of flowers, Donations to the following or a charity of your choosing in honor of Jack.

To make a memorial gift, please send a check made payable to Vanderbilt University Medical Center to:

Jack Cawthon Research Fund.

Vanderbilt University Medical Center Development

P. O. Box 290369

525 Royal Parkway

Nashville, TN 37229

Gifts will support the Jack Cawthon Research Fund. Please include a note with the check or indicate on the memo line that the gift is made in memory of Jack Cawthon. Gifts can also be made online at VanderbiltHealth.org/giving. Please select the checkbox next to “Dedicate my donation in honor or in memory of someone.”