John Lea Clark (Jack), 85 years young, passed away on December 28, 2022, at his home in Columbia, Missouri.

John was born August 20th, 1937, to Jay and Phyllis Clark. Dana, Iowa is what he considered his “roots” and he graduated as valedictorian of his class in 1955. He joined the Iowa Air National Guard and served from 1954 – 1960. He earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics and physics from Buena Vista College in 1960 and furthered his education at Iowa State Teachers College from 1960-1961.

On July 9th, 1961, John married his “girl,” Judy (Hatch). The love they shared was evident in all aspects of their life from traveling the country, being avid Hawkeye fans, boating many lakes, and climbing numerous trails in his jeep. Most importantly, they raised 4 children - Jody, Jed, Janae, and Janelle, and established the family culture and doctrine which allowed them to thrive and be successful. To his family, he was the protector, the fixer, the listener, the comforter, the ROCK.

John spent most of his working years as a sales and marketing professional for technology firms focused on the education and government marketplaces. His career took him from Iowa to Canada, Texas, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Utah, and Arizona. In 2000, John “retired” to the Hatch family farm in Scranton, Iowa. It is here that he began his second career as a farmer, for both the Clark and Hatch farms, which he continued doing until his death. During that time, he also worked at Genesis Development in Jefferson, Iowa, which was dedicated to creating opportunities, choices, and support for people with disabilities. He was an instrumental member of the Greene County Development Corporation and Midwest Partnership, focused on growing the local economy and providing jobs to its residents. In 2016, John and Judy moved to Columbia, Missouri to be closer to two of their daughters and grandchildren.

John was a true patriot and proud American. “It’s a great day to be an American” and “Only in America” were his catch phrases and the 4th of July was his favorite holiday. Patriotic songs and marches were a mainstay of his daily existence. He was a 21-year member of the Elks Lodge.

John was larger than life; he could light up a room with his vibrant and outgoing personality. He was a storyteller… and good at it. You could be sure that 50% of every story was true, you just didn’t know which 50%. His taste in music was eclectic and he used it to reflect every aspect of his life. He was often referred to as the “music man” and always traveled with a speaker so he could share this experience with everyone. He lived life to the fullest and certainly carved his own path, defying most odds along the way. The sense of community and family that surrounded John was astonishing and leaves a hole in the heart of anyone who knew him.

John Clark was the man, the myth, the legend all rolled into one; an irreplaceable force of nature.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Jay and Phyllis (Kinsey) Clark; his uncle, Lea Kinsey; his sister, Patricia (Clark) Holtapp; his sister-in-law, Shirley (Park) Clark; and his son, John Jeduthan Clark.

John is survived by his wife of 61 years, Judy (Hatch) Clark; his daughters, Jody Schreck, Janae Hauser and her husband Scott, Janelle Maland and her husband Brett; his grandchildren, Jordan, Caleb, McKinsey, Emma, Jack, Quinn, Michael, Claire, and CJ; and his brother, Jay V. Clark. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and countless friends.

Memorial services will be held on July 15th, 2023. Burial will be at 4:00 pm at Grand Junction Cemetery. Memorial service and reception to follow at Wild Rose Casino & Hotel in Jefferson, Iowa. Additional information is available at https://everloved.com/life-of…. If attending, please utilize the RSVP feature on the website to assist with our planning.

Condolences can be sent to 3507 Crabapple Lane Columbia, MO 65203.

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