Jay Junior Clark

behind his high school sweetheart and loving wife of 62 years, Annette Clark, and his three

children: Gregory(Kate), Clarissa(Avery), and Julia(Kyle). Jay was the cherished grandfather of

seven grandchildren- Carolyn, Lauren, Anna, Bryce, Charlsie, Robin and Tristan.

Jay spent his childhood on farms in the Green Lake area of Wisconsin. Looking for adventure

beyond a cornfield, he joined the military after graduating from Ripon High School. When the

recruiter asked him what field he wanted to be in, he had no idea, but he saw a poster on the

wall with the word “aviation” on it and thought, "That sounds good!" He traveled the world by

serving his country for 20+ years in the Navy, achieving the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer,

and is an honored veteran of the Vietnam War. During his service, he earned the Navy

Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service.

His drive to achieve continued, and he earned a Bachelor of Science in Technology degree at

the University of Memphis in 1985. His expertise and love of aviation led to teaching aviation

maintenance and helping grow the aviation program at the Tennessee College of Applied

Technology (formerly known as TN Tech) at the Memphis International Airport campus, where

he eventually served as both the Aviation Program Coordinator as well as an instructor of

aviation systems. In addition to mentoring hundreds of students who would go on to jobs with

major airlines, including FedEx, he was instrumental in the location, design, and execution of

the college’s new multimillion-dollar aviation training facility that opened in March 1997.

Fittingly, Jay retired to a country life of farming, including a couple of horses, in Collierville,

Tennessee. He grew an abundance of fruits, vegetables, and pecans that he shared generously.

Never one to be still, Jay loved fixing things and spending time outside with his grandkids. He

spent his final years reading, listening to music, and relaxing at home with his loving wife,

Annette.

A funeral service is scheduled for noon on May 31, 2024, at the Catholic Church of

the Incarnation, 360 Bray Station Rd, Collierville, TN 38017. In lieu of flowers,

please donate to USO.org.