He was born August 26, 1940 in Indianapolis, Indiana to the late Jess Harlan St.Clair and Margaret Wismeier. John graduated from Warren Central High School in 1959 and attended Purdue/IUPUI.
He and his wife, Karen (Jensen) St.Clair, founded Classic Pool & Patio, Inc. in 1965. Classic Pool & Patio ranked as one of the Top 10 Pool Builders in the country. Several of his pools were featured in national publications, including Luxury Pools & Outdoor Living and one of his designs was enshrined in the Swimming Hall of Fame. He was especially proud Classic Pools was awarded more National and International Swimming Pool & Spa Design Awards of Excellence than any other swimming pool company in Indiana.
John served on the Boards of the National, Regional, and Local APSP, formerly National Spa & Pool Institute (NSPI). As a member of the NSPI Board of Directors, he helped to establish current national swimming pool building and safety standards. John also served on the Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of General Contractors from 1991 – 2004.
In 2016, after 52 years of ownership, Classic Pool and Patio was sold. His two children, John St.Clair Jr. and Michelle Stuck, continue to own and operate Coverstar Central Automatic Pool Covers, founded by his son, John Jr. in 1990.
Having fond memories of playing trains with his late father, John was fascinated by model trains throughout his entire life. His passion for trains was shared with his son. Together they enjoyed many hours traveling to train shows, collecting train cars, designing layouts and running dozens of trains on hundreds of feet of track, especially during the Christmas holidays. We anticipate the grandchildren will continue this tradition.
Retirement enabled John to spend more time at their winter home on Marco Island, FL. and their family vacation home in Snowmass, Aspen, CO., where he enjoyed downhill skiing and other outdoor activities. Traveling and family vacations ranked high on his bucket list.
During retirement, John also embarked on his dream of restoring an antique 1964 Super Sport Chris Craft, reminiscent of the wooden Chris Craft boat he owned in his youth. John’s family looks forward to realizing the completion of this dream on his behalf.
John was a 40-year member of Hillcrest Country Club, where, on July 4th, 2010, he proudly achieved a Hole-in-One. He served a number of years on their Historic Foundation Board, and in 2020, he was inducted into the Hillcrest Country Club Hall of Fame for his many years of service and contribution to the club. John served as Assistant Scout Master of Troop 200 in the 80's. He was also a member of the Hoosier Sail & Power Squadron, the White River Yacht Club, the Island Country Club on Marco Island, the Columbia Club, and since 1994, the International Wine and Food Society of Indianapolis.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Karen (Jensen) St.Clair; their two children, John St.Clair, Jr. (Amanda) and Michelle “Shelly” St.Clair Stuck (Eric); grandchildren, Lauren St.Clair, Alexandra St.Clair, Brandon Stuck, and Katelynn Stuck; brother, James St.Clair (Cynthia); niece, Tammy St.Clair; and half-brother, David St.Clair. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his half-brother, Don St.Clair.
The family is planning a private graveside service at Crown Hill Cemetery, with hopes to host a Celebration of Life sometime in August.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Community Hospital Cancer Center: https://www.ecommunity.com/community-foundation.
