JC was born on November 2, 1936, in Memphis, Tennessee, to the late Willie and Emma Wiggington Fleming. He graduated from Tech High School and enlisted into the United States Marine Corp in 1953. He was a Sergeant and aircraft mechanic serving in Korea and Japan.
On January 28, 1958, after a brief courtship, he proposed that Linda Gail Garrison skip school and marry him – so they eloped and returned to their family homes thereafter. A short time later, Linda’s mother found out about the marriage and called JC to come pick up his wife. JC and Linda were married for 65 years and raised four boys and her two younger sisters before Linda went to be with the Lord just seven months ago in September 2023.
JC joined the Memphis Fire Department in 1959 and had a career spanning 41 years. JC held the following ranks and positions – Firefighter, Driver, Lieutenant, Captain, Chief of Training, Chief of Communications, Chief of Apparatus Maintenance, Chief of Staff, and Deputy Director of Fire Services.
After retiring from the fire department, JC worked with his son, Jason, as a construction supervisor at The Fleming Company.
In their golden years, JC and Linda loved to visit their boys and their families – celebrating birthdays, weddings, achievements, and new additions. They would fill their days reminiscing on the life they built together in Memphis. Many days they would “picnic in the car” with Captain D’s and take long drives visiting old familiar spots.
JC’s proudest title was that of Paw Paw. His nine grandchildren and 17 great-grandkids were his joy, and he always told stories about them to anyone who would listen. Most days he would be seen sporting their college gear or his Memphis Grizzlies jacket. He loved to entertain them with his silly pranks, his “Paw Paw jokes,” and the painful knee grab known as “The Inverted.” He was loyal to the core with his grandkids and any task they would give him, he would not stop until the mission was accomplished.
Preceded in death by his parents – Willie and Emma; his bride – Linda Gail; a daughter – Elizabeth; a brother – Ricky Fleming; a sister and brother-in-law – Doris (Pete) Bramucci; and a brother and sister-in-law – Ray (Jo) Fleming. JC is survived by his four sons – Mark (Martina) of Millington, Bret (Martha) of Nashville, Keith (Melanie) of Bartlett, and Jason (Stacey) of Collierville; nine grandchildren – Amy Dickson, Chad (Leslie) Fleming, Zak (Jeanne) Smith, Austin Smith, Darla (Daniel) Parks, Parker (Allie) Fleming, Meghan Fleming, Jake Fleming, and Callie Fleming; and 17 great-grandchildren. JC is also survived by his sister Kitty Brashier, a niece, and two nephews.
Those who knew JC know that he was heartbroken and lost without Linda. Though his earthly body has fallen asleep, he walks happily and healthy in Heaven with his Lord and Savior – and is reunited with his soulmate, Linda Gail.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 4, at 10:30 am at The Orchard Church, located at 3690 South Houston Levee Road, Collierville, Tennessee 38017. The funeral will follow at Noon. Burial will be at a later date at the West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – Allie’s Allies (JC’s granddaughter-in-law).
