John (Butch) Comus Moon Jr., 75, of Chattanooga died peacefully in his home on Sunday, December 11, 2022, surrounded by his wife, Johnnie Belinda Moon; daughters, Crystal N. Hollins and Tiffany A. Mitchell ; son Dwayne Mitchell and grandson, Jeremiah “Baby J” Mitchell.
John was born on October 14, 1947, in Chattanooga Tennessee to parents, John Comus Moon Sr. and Katie Mae Moon. John grew up in Chattanooga and was a graduate of Riverside High School, class of 1965. In 1967, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps followed by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve until 1971. While serving with the U.S. Marine Corps and Reserve, John received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Sharpshooter Badge. He then went on to pursue a Criminal Justice Major at Cleveland State Community College and obtained employment at Southern Railway in East Saint Louis, Illinois as a Railroad Policeman. From the years 1971-1981, John joined the Chattanooga Police Department where he worked in several departments: Traffic Accident, Narcotics, Patrol Officer, Criminal Investigation and Burglary Investigator. In 1981, he was commissioned by the City Council to join the Erlanger police force where he served until his retirement in 2005.
John accepted Christ at an early age; In March of 2020, he joined New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church in Chattanooga under the leadership of Pastor Kelvert Scruggs.
John was a kind and loving husband to his spouse Johnnie B. Moon, as well as an amazing father and grandfather. He loved God, football (Tennessee Vols and Tennessee Titans), cooking, playing pinochle on Saturdays with his friends to wee hours of the morning, cruising with Carnival Cruise Line, fussing at the fur babies and grand fur babies, but most of all he took pride and joy in spending time with his grandchildren anytime they were around. John was the life of any party. He was a stickler for being on time or you would get left behind. He did not mind telling you how he felt but he did it with love. He was a generous man. If you stopped by the house you would be fed good barbecue or soul food, partake in his whiskey and wisdom and enjoy endless stories told in that deep slow voice that was never tired.
Just like John dealt with all experiences in life, he managed his illness with strength and grace and wanted to spend as much time with his family as possible. On the days leading up to his final day, John was able to see or talk to his children, grandchildren, and closest friends. He will be deeply missed by all who loved him.
John was preceded in death by his father and mother, John C. Moon Sr. and Katie Mae Moon; one sister, Omega “Mickey” King.
Those left to honor his memory are his wife, Johnnie B. Moon; his children, Vincent J. Moon, John C. Moon III (Jasmine), Emanuel L. Moon (Tamara), Tremayne L. Moon (Anitra), Monique Moon, Crystal Hollins, Tiffany Mitchell, and Dwayne Mitchell (Naya); 20 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; siblings, Gwendolyn Crutcher, Nellie Plante, Darnell Moon (June), Larnell Moon (Barbara), Katie Mae Williams (Dallas), Beverly Cato, Curtis Reeves and a host of other relatives and friends.
Public viewing will be held 2 pm- 6 pm, December 22, 2022, at John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave, 423-622-9995, Chattanooga, TN, 37404. A Celebration of Life will be held in his honor at 12 pm December 23, 2022 in the chapel of the John P. Franklin Funeral Home. Pastor Kelvert Scruggs Officiating.
Interment immediately following with full military honors at Chattanooga National Cemetery, 1200 Bailey Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404.