Jay Brandon

It is with heavy hearts but full spirits that we celebrate the extraordinary life of John (Jay) Franklin Brandon, age 53, a beloved figure in the cheerleading community and beyond, who left us on January 30, 2025. Jay was born on August 8, 1971 in Augsburg, Germany, and raised in the vibrant city of Knoxville, Tennessee. He was a beacon of joy and inspiration, a passionate fan of the University of Tennessee and a true champion of athletics and mentorship.

Jay was renowned for his infectious enthusiasm and unwavering dedication to cheerleading. He cheered at both the University of Tennessee and the University of Georgia, embodying the spirit of competition and camaraderie that defines collegiate sports. A trailblazer in the cheer industry, Jay asked one his friends to help him write the first-ever gym scheduling system—Synergym—while still in college. His visionary approach to organization helped him establish nearly ten cheerleading gyms throughout the Southeast, bringing cheerleading to countless communities and empowering countless athletes. One highlight in his career was participating in the opening ceremonies of the 1996 US Olympics.

 For nearly four decades, Jay dedicated himself to the cheer industry, serving as a top safety judge and understanding the nuances of the sport to elevate standards and practices. His impact was tremendous, as he helped develop the rules and structures that now govern cheerleading through the USASF. In his remarkable judging career, he reviewed over 300,000 routines, traveling all across the country for 15 years. His dedication to growth and safety in the sport was matched only by his generosity in sharing his knowledge and experience with others.

Jay’s love for coaching was evident in his two-decade partnership with the late Terri Tucker at McCallie and GPS (Blue Crew), where he mentored hundreds of athletes, many of whom went on to cheer in college. His passion for coed cheerleading was unmistakable, and he found immense joy in mentoring aspiring cheerleaders alongside his best friend, forging unforgettable memories and lifelong connections.

 Jay was known not only for his accomplishments but also for the vibrant spirit he brought to every interaction. With a heart that knew no bounds, he loved deeply and cared fiercely, always expressing his feelings freely and genuinely. Jay’s infectious laughter, unwavering support, and sincere kindness enriched the lives of many, creating a legacy that will endure in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him.

As we remember Jay, let us not only grieve our profound loss but also celebrate the incredible impact he made on our lives and the cheerleading community. His legacy will be carried forward in the lives of the countless athletes he coached, the rules he helped create, and the friends and family he loved so dearly. May we honor him by embracing his spirit of joy, passion, and generosity in our own lives.

Jay Brandon cheer us on from heaven and watch over all of us here on earth. Your memory will continue to inspire and uplift us all.

Jay is preceded in death by his parents, Clark Eugene Brandon and Phyllis Norman Brandon; grandparents, Willard and Mildred Norman and Howard and Mae Brandon; his beloved Labradors, Moose and Hannah. He is survived by his sister, Carol Brandon Barrett and husband, Michael Barrett; nephews, Britton, Bryson, and Brady Barrett; brother, Wes Brandon; aunt, Susan Wallace; cousins Dave Wallace and Mandy Atchley; aunt, Diana Brandon; cousins Kari Ford and Jamie Crawford; and his beloved Yorkie, Lulu.

A graveside service will be held at Lynnhurst Cemetery at 11:00 AM on February 8, 2025. A celebration of his life will take place on February 12, 2025, from 7:00 pm - midnight at Sing It or Wing It in downtown Chattanooga. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations go to Butler's Animal Clinic located at 7545 Oak Ridge Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37931.