Jack Harding Jennings, of Rutledge Falls, passed away on Jan. 30, 2026. A native of Tullahoma, the town and community is something that he loved very deeply and proudly. He adored sharing the falls with locals and travelers alike; the delighted screams from people jumping in the spring water, taking photos of the stunning cascade, and resting on the rocks in the sunshine while picking algae from their shoes.

He was a lifelong scholar with an unwavering dedication to history, flora, fauna, and wildlife.

He reveled in the blooms of the mountain laurel and jack-in-the-pulpit. He easily identified the knocking of the Downy woodpecker or incandescent Indigo bunting flitting through golden strands of hay in the field.

He enjoyed researching the long forgotten residents of cemeteries that scatter the once flourishing farms in Middle Tennessee, reviving their stories and connecting them to the complicated history of the South. He was passionate about historic preservation of small towns across Tennessee, and had been everywhere from Bucksnort to Bugscuffle. A favorite hobby was visiting any restaurant featured on Tennessee Crossroads; meeting the proprietors and trying the chess pie, or brisket, or fluffy buttermilk biscuits, chased down by a just-right glass of sweet tea.

Jack frequented festivals all across the state, his favorites being bluegrass and crafts, and he shared that love of culture and craftsmanship with his daughters and grandchildren.

He was a key organizer of The Dottie West Music Fest in McMinnville and was on the board of The Historic Preservation Society for many years.

He was a prolific supporter of animals and fostered numerous puppies and dogs, a love that lasted a lifetime as you likely saw him adventuring with his beloved companions Cilla, Ajax, and Queenie.

Professionally, Jack graduated magna cum laude from Vanderbilt University and had a storied career in banking and personal wealth, even earning multiple accolades for his forensic accounting of loans with the FDIC before retiring.

Jack cherished the time spent with his grandchildren Lucius, Julian, and Vivien. He shamelessly shared their accomplishments and they loved their witty, smart, fun “Papa.” He will be greatly missed by his daughters Lane, Callie, and Abigail. Special thanks to his dear friends and neighbors for their fellowship and shared meals: Ann & Allen Griggs, Barney Gullett & Kim Tate, Eugene Wüst, and Charlie & Chassity Harris.

If you’d like to do something to honor Jack — please consider picking up a few extra pieces of trash as you leave the falls; or donate supplies, time, or financially to Coffee Country Animal Control or other non-profits that make our world a better place.

Tullahoma News – Feb. 11, 2026