Jack Ellis Clemons was born in Missouri City, Mo., on May 31, 1923 to Carl Clemons and Julia Chaney. He died at his home on January 16, 2021.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Carl Clemons and Julia Chaney; his siblings, Emma Jean Garner, Dorothy Hart, Lucille Baillie, Wanda Clemons, and Jimmy Clemons.
He is survived by his wife of sixty-eight years, Betty Clemons of the home, Kansas City, Mo.; his children, Gary (Shelli) Clemons of El Cajon, Calif.; Kim Piepmeier of Excelsior Springs, Mo.; Cathy (Tim) Logston of Excelsior Springs, Mo.; six gandchildren, Gregory Clemons, Jeffrey Clemons, Sarah (Wesley) Smothermon, Christopher Stark, John Logston, and Chad Logston; and nine great-grandchildren.
Jack never knew a stranger. For forty plus years he sold cars, but he was not just a car salesman; he was a car representative. “Lucky Jack” sold much more than cars – he sold his open personality. After retirement he still needed the interaction of people, so he became a delivery driver for Red Cross Pharmacy. He loved telling everyone that he was the local “drug runner”. He also enjoyed being a door greeter at the First United Methodist Church of Excelsior Springs, Mo., where he was a lifelong member.
Jack was always the life of the party and had a smile that could light up any room. He was a great storyteller and jokester. He would make up stories that could go on and on forever. He loved to entertain people. He had more joy than you have ever seen in any other human being. His favorite things to do were his Forest Gump imitation and to show people that he could still “run” at the age of 97. In his younger years, he and Betty enjoyed square dancing and traveling. They were avid cruisers and loved taking bus tours. Jack was known to family as Husband, Daddy, and Paw Paw. He was known to many as “Happy Jack” and to all as friend. He will never be forgotten.
Jack will lie in state from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 21, 2021, at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, 217 W. Broadway St., Excelsior Springs, MO 64024. Graveside service will be at 1:00 p.m. at Crown Hill Cemetery. Pastor Laura Blevins will be officiating.
The family suggests memorial contributions be sent to Boys Town.
Our Sincere Condolences
Cathy, I am so sorry for your loss. My sincerest condolences to you and your family.
Judy Domann
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Lona Mccubbins
I know you’re having fun with our Lord & your family! I’ll miss you, Action Jackson, but I’ll see you again. All my love to his family & prayers for God’s comfort & peace.
Kelly Smith
Been friends with Kim and her family for years. I’ve stayed at their house many times in excelsior. I remember him bringing kim and I a ride in a convertible from where he worked it was so much fun.jack always made me laugh.i hadn’t seen him in a long time. But will always remember him.prayers for your family.
Alice Edwads
No words can describe Jack. He had a glow around him every time I saw him. Always smiling and happy. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.
Racene Bolin
Jack was a wonderful friend who was ready with his beautiful smile to greet everyone! We have Wonderful memories traveling with Jack and Betty! Our Lord is getting another great Angel in heaven!! Sending our love and prayers to all the Family, from all the Bradshaws!!
Betty Bradshaw
Jack was such a fun loving man and brought happiness every where he went. We will miss him and know his passing leaves a big void in the family. In recent years there was never any doubt when he came to Excelsior for church because walking in the church and seeing a group huddled around was a sure fire bet Jack was in the middle.
Our deepest condolences to Betty and all the family.
Al & Mary Miller
My thoughts and prayers are with you and the extended family at this difficult time. May your strong faith comfort you and give you strength in the days ahead. Jack was a joy to be around and will be missed by many.
David Snider
Always a smile and a joke.
Ed and Delores Bush
Jack always enjoyed visiting with everyone. He will be greatly missed. I want to extend my sympathy to all the family.
Sherri Robinson
We lost a Great Man, one of a kind.
Janet Smart
We are sorry for your loss, Jack was so friendly to everyone. Prayer for the family.
J.T. and Carol Stockwell
We can always picture him smiling! A happy man who shared his happiness with all of us! Eternal rest grant unto him.
Bill and Mary Lou Greim
So sorry for your loss. We would often talk as we walked through the neighborhood- always smiling and so very friendly.
Ron and Jill Huettenmueller
Betty & Family Jack will never be forgotten as he will always be remembered w fond happy memories. He was a true friend and always made the time to stay interested in our lifes. He started and lead the Old Geezers Club at McDonald’s where we solved so many problems and made many donations to Ronald McDonald House and others. He had a smile for all. He will be dancing and taking bus trips in Heaven while waiting for us all.
Larry & Mary Kopp
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Jack Clemons. He was such a special man, sharing love and laughter with everyone he met. I am so happy that I got to know him and love him. I pray that your memories of him will comfort you and help you keep him alive in heart.
Debbie Clemons