Dr. John W. Zirkle

Dr. John W. Zirkle, MD

It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Dr. John W. Zirkle, MD, a respected physician, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and a cherished member of the community. Dr. Zirkle passed away peacefully on September 15, 2025. A native of Jefferson City, TN, John felt a deep connection to his hometown. He grew up exploring Mossy Creek, spending time at the local post office where his father worked, and visiting his grandparents house on Main Street. John participated in the Boy Scouts, earning the rank of Eagle Scout. In 1962, He graduated from Jefferson County High School. He attended college locally, graduating from Carson-Newman College in 1966 with degrees in Biology and German. John eventually left home for medical school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. While working toward his medical degree, John fell in love with a young nurse named Eva Ergenbright. They married in 1969. In 1970, the Zirkles moved to Eva’s hometown, Charlottesville, VA. Dr. Zirkle completed an internship, residency and fellowship at the University of Virginia Hospital in Charlottesville, where he also served as Chief Resident from 1976-1977. In 1972, John and Eva welcomed their first daughter, Anne Kathren, to the family. Their second daughter, Sarah Patrick, was born two years later. During this time, Dr. Zirkle served as an LCDR in the US Navy Medical Corps at the Memphis Naval Hospital, in Memphis TN. He was on active duty there for three years and served in the reserves for eight more years in both TN and VA. In 1979, Dr. Zirkle moved back to Jefferson City. He spent the next 29 years practicing Internal Medicine in the town he called home. During his practice, “Dr. Z” held many positions within the wider medical community, including President of Lakeway Medical Society, Chief of Staff at Jefferson Memorial Hospital, and Director of Jefferson County Nursing Home (now Jefferson Park at Dandridge.) He served on the Mercy Health System Board in Knoxville, TN and was Medical Director of Tennessee Nursing Services Hospice for several years. Somehow, despite his numerous commitments, Dr. Zirkle still found time to travel with Eva and attend his daughters’ piano recitals and soccer games. His favorite titles were “husband” and “dad.” After his retirement in 2007, Dr. Zirkle became an avid hiker and prolific photographer. He organized yearly group hikes up Mt. LeConte, inviting friends and family to share his love of nature. Many of his photographs capture the beauty and peace he experienced along those mountain trails. He enjoyed watching basketball and was an enthusiastic UT Lady Vols fan–so much so that he used “Rocky Top” as his cellphone ringtone. Throughout his retirement, Dr. Zirkle remained actively engaged in the community. He was a life-long member of First Presbyterian Church of Jefferson City, where he was an Elder and a Sunday School teacher. He volunteered at the Jefferson Rural Clinic, a local non-profit providing free and low cost medical care. He served on the local board of First American Bank, and later, on the local board of FirstBank. In 2016, he served as Chairman of the Board for the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce. In 2018 the Chamber of Commerce named him Jefferson Countian of the Year. Dr. Zirkle was a man of commitment, humility, and generosity, always ready with a kind word, a corny joke, and a listening ear. He loved his family dearly. He will be remembered for his wisdom, compassion, sense of humor, and life of service. He is survived by Eva, his wife of 56 years; his daughter, Sarah Reuning; his son-in-law, John Reuning; his grandson, Walt Reuning; his brother, James “Jim” Zirkle; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. John is preceded in death by his parents James and Anna Lee “Pat” Zirkle, and his daughter Anne Kathren. A celebration of life is planned for 2 pm September 27, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church of Jefferson City. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Dr. Zirkle’s memory to First Presbyterian Church of Jefferson City, TN, to the Anne Kathren Zirkle Endowment at Davidson College, Davidson NC, or to the charity of your choice.