
Jon Phipps McCalla
Senior United States District Judge
- Lifespan
- February 16, 1947 – May 15, 2026Feb 16, 1947 – May 15, 2026
- Location
- Memphis, Tennessee, United StatesMemphis, TN

Senior United States District Judge
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Key moments and achievements from Jon McCalla's life.
Jon was born
· Memphis, Tennessee, United States
Service
McCalla served as a Lieutenant in the United States Army for two years. During this period, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Combat Infantryman's Badge for his service. This experience in the military would later inform his disciplined approach to judicial administration.
Service
McCalla served as a Lieutenant in the United States Army for two years. During this period, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Combat Infantryman's Badge for his service. This experience in the military would later inform his disciplined approach to judicial administration.
Nomination
President George H.W. Bush nominated McCalla to a seat on the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee. His nomination was reported to the Senate by then-Senator Joseph Biden. He was subsequently confirmed by the United States Senate via unanimous consent.
Nomination
President George H.W. Bush nominated McCalla to a seat on the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee. His nomination was reported to the Senate by then-Senator Joseph Biden. He was subsequently confirmed by the United States Senate via unanimous consent.
Leadership
McCalla served as the Chief Judge of the Western District of Tennessee, managing the third-busiest federal judicial district in the nation. Under his leadership, the district became one of the most efficient in the country. He was credited with achieving one of the lowest time to trial rates in the federal system.
Leadership
McCalla served as the Chief Judge of the Western District of Tennessee, managing the third-busiest federal judicial district in the nation. Under his leadership, the district became one of the most efficient in the country. He was credited with achieving one of the lowest time to trial rates in the federal system.
Status Change
McCalla assumed senior status on the federal bench, allowing him to continue presiding over cases while opening his active seat for a new appointment. He was succeeded as Chief Judge by J. Daniel Breen. His active seat was eventually filled by Judge Sheryl H. Lipman.
Status Change
McCalla assumed senior status on the federal bench, allowing him to continue presiding over cases while opening his active seat for a new appointment. He was succeeded as Chief Judge by J. Daniel Breen. His active seat was eventually filled by Judge Sheryl H. Lipman.
Publication
McCalla published an influential article in Judicature magazine titled Reviving Rules 16 and 26. The piece advocated for the use of pretrial conferences and discovery disclosures as essential tools for judicial efficiency. It reflected his career-long commitment to procedural reform and clear legal writing.
Publication
McCalla published an influential article in Judicature magazine titled Reviving Rules 16 and 26. The piece advocated for the use of pretrial conferences and discovery disclosures as essential tools for judicial efficiency. It reflected his career-long commitment to procedural reform and clear legal writing.
Jon McCalla passed away