John William Clayton

Family and friends lost a very special person when John Clayton peacefully passed away on November 13th. John was passionate about his family, his friends, the outdoors and riding his motorcycle. He was an avid sailor, camper, backpacker, skier, and tennis player. In addition, he took great pleasure in riding with his buddies on motorcycle adventures throughout California and the southwest.

John was born in Oakland California to William and Mildred Clayton. He grew up to graduate from Miramonte High School in Orinda, California and Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona with a degree in marketing and advertising.

John married the love of his life, Judi Hopkinson, on December 6th, 1969. They met while attending classes at NAU. They were blessed with a daughter, Kristin, Son-in-law Chris, and granddaughter Scarlett. John and Judi had nearly 54 years together to enjoy family, life, work, and fun. During their life together they collected friends from where ever they lived in the San Francisco Bay area, the Fresno Area, and Elk Grove in California before heading out for Highland Village, Texas while John continued his work with the JCPenney Company.

John and Judi achieved their life-long desire to retire in Carmel, California where they enjoyed the mild weather, ocean breezes and playing a lot of tennis together. She will miss him very much.

John’s surviving family includes his wife, Judi; daughter Kristin, her husband Chris and granddaughter Scarlett of Pacific Grove, California; his sister Ann Murtha of Boulder, Colorado as well as many loved and cherished nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held after the first of the year. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to American Cancer Society Colon Cancer Research by calling 800-227-2345 and selecting option #2. They will help you get your donation directed in John’s name for Colon Cancer Research.

“Death takes the body. Our minds hold the memories. Our hearts keep the love.”