John "JC" Clifford Locke

JC Locke was born May 12, 1991—Mother’s Day—to Halie and John Locke. The most perfect gift a son could ever give his mother (despite all the labor pain). A day that - every seven years, when Mother's Day lands on the 12th -- would be celebrated extra specially. He was born in Portland, Oregon and resided there his entire life.

JC was the best baby parents could ask for; he was sweet, loving, and easy—quite opposite of his older sister. He grew up as a very social young boy but would never join in playing with others unless he was invited. He quickly made a handful of friends in the neighborhood that loved to fish, ride bikes, build forts, and play at the local duck pond. In his school days, he played baseball like his father, basketball, and taekwondo. He participated in these sports only for short periods because he was more inclined to the snacks than the sports themselves. He was a proud member of the pole-vaulting team in high school and was actively sought out by the track team (a speedy one he was). However, he rejected them multiple times due to his hate for running. JC graduated from Liberty High School in 2010 and went on to get his Associate’s Degree in General Studies in 2013.

JC went on to work for several companies, most notably Epson and Amazon, and also was a part of the local service industry. Later in his life, he helped his family by being a caregiver for his father who passed away from cancer only a year ago.

JC was a bright, energetic, and sensitive soul. He cared and loved deeply and felt everything deep to his bones. He loved people; friend or stranger. There wasn’t a human with whom he wouldn’t strike up a conversation. Despite much adversity in his life, the one thing that brought him joy was his friends and loved ones. He was rarely seen without a buddy by his side. He always had a joke on his lips and a good story to unfold at the dinner table. He was passionate about injustice, a good bargain (just like his father), and also snacks. Mountain Dew, Airheads, Takis, you name it…he’d take it off your hands.

JC is survived by his mother, Halie Locke and his sister, Shelby Locke. He also is survived by multiple aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A memorial reception for JC will be held on Sunday, November 10, 2024 at 12pm at Finley Sunset Hills Mortuary, 6801 SW Sunset Hwy, Portland, OR 97225 in the Godiva Reception Room.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of donations to JC’s favorite nonprofit, the Ocean Conservancy. Additional nonprofits to choose from would be any local mental health and addiction services organizations.

Please feel welcome to share your condolences, warm memories, and cherished photos on this page for J.C.'s family.