John Denver

John Francis "Jay" Denver, 66, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013 due to complications from ongoing illnesses.He was born on Nov. 26, 1946 in Wilmington, Del., the son of the late Fran and Mary Denver.Jay attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute, where he majored in mechanical engineering. He was a U.S. Army veteran, having served in the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Bronze Star. Jay worked for the Tennessee Valley Authority for many years.Survivors include sisters, Debbie Denver Underwood, of Acworth, Ga., and Ginny Denver, of Pasadena, Texas; brother, Kevin (Jane) Denver, of Chattanooga; several nieces and nephews, including Amy (Aaron) Aponick, of Gainesville, Fla.; Katie (Kyle) Simms, Ryan (Laura) Veariel and Brett Veariel, all of Houston, Texas; Rob Underwood, of Washington, DC; Jenny Denver and Jon (Jennifer) Denver, of Chattanooga. He is also survived by two grand-nieces, Alexa Mary Simms and Elizabeth Audrey Aponick and a grand-nephew, Jaxson Kevin Denver.The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. today, Feb. 19, at the North Chapel. A memorial service will follow at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please honor Jays memory by making a donation to the charity of your choice or one of his favorites, such as Chattanooga Community Kitchen, P.O. Box 11203, Chattanooga, TN. 37401; Ronald McDonald House, 200 Central Ave., Chattanooga, TN. 37403; or the Karen Lawrence Run for St Jude Childrens Research Hospital, c/o Chattanooga Track Club, P.O. Box 11241, Chattanooga, TN. 37401.Please share your thoughts and condolences at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.Arrangements by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.