Christopher J. Clarke

Born December 22, 1998, in Encinitas, California, CJay grew up with a passion for athletics, outdoors, and service to others. A four-year letterman in track and an Eagle Scout, he embodied a loving spirit, leadership, and perseverance from an early age. He graduated from Minnetonka High School in Minnesota before attending the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, where he earned his degree in Political Science with a minor in French in May 2021.

Following graduation, CJay spent over 3 years in flight training then proudly served his country as a Navy Pilot with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23 based in San Diego, CA. His commitment, talent, and camaraderie left a lasting mark on his squadron and the many lives he touched along the way. Quick to laugh, he was dependable and had a unique ability to listen and walk with his friends during their difficult times.

CJay was more than a dedicated officer—he was a thoughtful, witty, and compassionate soul. He embraced life fully, whether snowboarding, hiking, running, or pushing himself to complete his first Marathon in 3:46. His warmth, humor, and generosity of spirit will be remembered by all who knew him. He loved to travel, take trips to the mountains, exchange memes with friends, and was very conversant on Marvel and DC Movies.

He is survived by his parents, Danielle M. Clarke and Will A. Clarke, CAPT, USN (Ret.); his sister, LT Savannah G. Clarke; his grandmother, Wilyshia Franklin Clarke; his grandfather, William Clarke; his uncles, Willon Clarke, Mark Goodrich, Michael Williams, JD Davidson; his aunts Alina Clarke, Michelle Jones Peterson, Hillary Sepulveda, Janet Jones, Carla Williams, Elinor Goodrich, Martha Goodrich, Wren Davidson; his godmother, Pam Spearman; and host of other extended family, friends and classmates.

We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support shown to our family during this time of loss. We held the first service on August 29 in San Diego with his squadron, where he was stationed. A remembrance had also been planned in New York on September 8, but this gathering has now been moved to the U.S. Naval Academy, where his final resting place will be. Services will be held at the Naval Academy Chapel, 121 Blake Rd., Annapolis, MD 21401, on September 18 at 10:30 a.m. Please keep him in your hearts as we prepare to say our final goodbye in Annapolis, MD.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in CJay’s name to either of the organizations below that reflect his service, love of athletics, and passion for the outdoors.

Veterans & Military Support

• Fisher House Foundation – fisherhouse.org

• Folds of Honor – foldsofhonor.org

Running & Fitness

• Students Run Philly Style – studentsrunphilly.org

• New York Road Runners Youth & Community Programs (Team for Kids) – nyrr.org/youth

Tree Planting & Environmental Legacy

• One Tree Planted – onetreeplanted.org