News Summary
Chattanooga is mourning the loss of Ohannes ‘John’ Yacoubian, a beloved tailor and community fixture for over 50 years. He passed away at 86 during a trip to Italy, leaving a legacy of respect and kindness at his tailor shop. Yacoubian emigrated from Lebanon in 1968, creating a welcoming environment for all customers. His family, deeply involved in the business, continues the tailoring legacy. A memorial service is set for July 19, with contributions to local charities requested in his honor.
Chattanooga is mourning the loss of Ohannes “John” Yacoubian, a beloved tailor and longtime fixture in the community, who passed away at the age of 86 during a trip to Italy. Yacoubian’s life was dedicated to his craft as well as his family, making him a renowned figure in downtown Chattanooga for over 50 years.
Yacoubian’s son, Hovig Yacoubian, shared that his father’s success was rooted in a fundamental belief in treating everyone with respect, regardless of their wealth or status. This principle created a warm and welcoming atmosphere at his tailor shop, where thousands of customers felt valued and appreciated.
The Yacoubian family has been a part of the downtown Chattanooga landscape since John opened his first shop in 1969. After emigrating from Lebanon in 1968, Yacoubian came to the United States to visit his brother, a student at Tennessee Temple University. Observing his boss’s inadequate sewing skills prompted him to start his own business in partnership with his brother, subsequently finding great success.
Throughout the years, Yacoubian’s children, Hovig and Ani Yacoubian Riggs, became integral parts of the family business, learning the ropes from a young age. Riggs always envisioned returning to the shop after completing her business degree, reflecting the family’s deep bond and shared commitment to the tailoring legacy.
The shop originally specialized in custom clothing but gradually evolved to include ready-to-wear outfits and ladies’ fashions, a shift facilitated by Yacoubian’s openness to change. His daughter Riggs proposed the introduction of denim clothing, which Yacoubian initially hesitated to embrace, showcasing his cautious yet adaptive approach to business.
Over the course of its history, the tailor shop changed locations multiple times, beginning from what is now the EPB building, moving to the Read House, followed by the Maclellan Building, and finally establishing residence at 629 Broad St. Each move marked a new chapter in the story of a family business dedicated to fine craftsmanship and community service.
Known for his exceptional work ethic and kindness, Yacoubian forged strong relationships with customers, becoming a source of support and joy for many throughout Chattanooga. Clients and friends alike spoke of his cheerful demeanor, often remarking on how he offered encouragement during challenging times.
Born in 1938 in Syria, Yacoubian relocated to Lebanon at the age of 15 to escape persecution against Armenian Christians, an experience that shaped his outlook on life. His family was deeply affected by the Armenian genocide, with his grandfather losing his life and his grandmother fleeing with his father and uncles. Yacoubian carried the weight of this history with him, often reflecting on the value of American freedoms and expressing gratitude for his life in the United States.
Yacoubian is survived by his wife, Zevart Hagopian Yacoubian, along with their children Talene, Ani, and Hovig, and five grandchildren. A memorial service is scheduled for July 19 at Christ United Methodist Church, where family members have requested contributions to local charities in lieu of flowers, honoring Yacoubian’s spirit of giving back to the community he cherished.
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: John Yacoubian, a Chattanooga tailor known for his kindness, passes away
- Wikipedia: Chattanooga
- Chattanoogan: Beloved Fixture In Downtown Chattanooga
- Google Search: John Yacoubian
- Times Free Press: Brand of Yacoubian Tailors
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tailoring
- Chattanoogan: Yacoubian Tailors Exiting Read House
- Google News: Chattanooga news
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
