John Walter "Jack" Mayes

John W. (Jack) Mayesof Townsend, TN died May 28, 2022 after a lengthy illness.  He was born in McConnellsville, Ohio and later moved to Columbus, Ohio, where he graduated from high school.  He then served his country on active duty as a photographer in the Navy and continued in the reserves for six more years.  After leaving the Navy, he began a career in sales.  Upon moving to Tennessee, he opened a shop in Gatlinburg called “Flying Things” and then “History Research Center.”  Eventually he sold the business and took on several other jobs in his retirement.  Jack and his wife, Connie, traveled to all 50 states and several countries over the years. 

Jack was most known for his photography of scenery which is often mistaken as paintings, and his home is lined with many of his beautiful photos.

Survivors include his wife, Connie, sons Jeffrey and wife Pam of Pigeon Forge, John II and wife Cathy of Seymour, and James of Gatlinburg; grandchildren Trevor and Meghan of Colorado; Three sisters, Judith Ray and Jeri Erwin of Columbus, Ohio and Janet Yest of Florida.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 11 at Life Event Center, 1404 Tuckaleechee Pike, Maryville, TN. Visitation will begin at 10:00, and the service will begin at 11:00.  Burial will be at East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery on John Sevier Hwy. Smith Funeral and Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com.