John J Clark

John J. Clark, 77, passed away November 1, 2024. He had been a resident of Houston, Texas, since 1988. John was born February 8, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois, to Barbara and William “Bill” Clark. Raised in Glenview and Wilmette, Illinois, he was a 1965 graduate of New Trier High School. John graduated from Illinois College in Jacksonville, Illinois, in 1969, before enlisting in the Army later that year. He served in Viet Nam and held the rank of First Lieutenant at the time of his discharge in the summer of 1972. After his military service, John began his career as a radio DJ and FM Station Manager in Jacksonville, Illinois, then accepted a managerial position at an FM station in Bloomington, Illinois. He then moved to Kansas City to sell computer systems for TV and radio stations. John enjoyed flying the company plane to various sales meetings across the country, having obtained his private pilot’s license some years earlier. He enjoyed flying to the extent that he became a commercial pilot, first flying for Air Midwest, then Continental Airlines. Whether Navigator, Second Officer, First Officer, Instructor or Captain, John enjoyed his flying career immensely. He retired from Continental Airlines in 2007. During his retirement, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially his beloved daughter and her children. Surviving are his daughter, Kim Thanh Nguyen of Houston; two grandsons, Thomas Tran of Houston and Travis Tran of Houston; one brother, Thomas (Allegra) Clark of Hanover Park, IL; one sister, Jennifer (Michael) Davis of Houston; nieces, Kiley Steele, Kristen Clark, Sarah (Alexander) Clark; nephews Philip (Judy) Clark, Christopher (Malorie) Davis and Cory Davis; three great nieces; two great nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Barbara and Bill Clark; a brother, William W. Clark. A visitation for John will be held Friday, November 22, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at American Heritage Funeral Home, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038. A funeral service will occur Friday, November 22, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038. A committal service will occur Friday, November 22, 2024, from 1:15 PM to 1:45 PM at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038. A reception will occur Friday, November 22, 2024, from 1:45 PM to 3:45 PM, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038.