Jay J. Clark

Jay Clark, age 87, passed away on May 24, 2024, in his home in Collierville, TN. He leaves 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. The 2nd eldest of 7 children, Jay is preceded in death by his older sister, Meryl Kuehn, and brother, Robert Clark, and survived by his brothers Raymond, George, Clarence, and Carl Clark, all of Wisconsin.

Jay spent his childhood on farms in Green Lake and Ripon, 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 23 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. While the Navy took him many places, he enjoyed his summer trips back to Wisconsin to see family and friends and to introduce his kids to water skiing, life on a farm, fresh corn, and the beauty of Green Lake, along with the occasional side trip to the EAA event in Oshkosh. He loved a good air show!

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 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 with a couple of horses in Collierville, Tennessee. He grew an abundance of fruits, vegetables, and pecans that he generously shared. Never one to be still, Jay loved fixing things and spending time outside with his grandkids or on his tractor. 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. His burial will take place with military honors at 11 a.m. on June 5th at the Dartford Cemetery in Green Lake, WI. In lieu of flowers, please donate to USO.org.