Jack Franklin Clements, 79, of Joplin, MO passed away Tuesday, January 30th at Freeman Hospital West. He was born on June 1st, 1938 in Chicago, IL to parents, Jack and Verna Clements.
Even though Jack called Joplin his home, he was truly proud to have been born in Chicago, where he was baptized at the Holy Name Cathedral.
Jack moved with his parents as a child to Joplin. He truly idolized his parents and was so proud of their impressive accomplishments. His dad graduated from law school, and was the featured writer for True Detective Magazine, where he published over 500 articles and stories. Jack possessed every one of those magazines in his collection. Jack’s mother was one of the founding members of the local grocery store retailer workers union affiliation.
Jack did not have any immediate family, but was always proud of the fact that he was 2nd cousin with two celebrities, Vincent Price and Ray Price. His mom used to tell him many stores of family gatherings with them many years ago. Jack is survived by his adopted family, Diane Cline, John DeGraff, Julie Postle, and Matt Cline.
Jack will be remembered for many wonderful things. He truly was a “Jack of all trades”, with exceptional classic car/automotive knowledge, antique clocks and watches, and simply anything that needed fixing. Jack was so proud to have been able to keep the car be bought brand new in 1966, his Pontiac Catalina, that was truly his pride and joy. Jack was a wealth of knowledge in Joplin history and world events from the past. Jack always had multiple stories to tell people. Jack was also a very generous man, although he never had much money, he many times gave away his last dollar to help others.
The family would like to thank the Independent Living Center for assisting Jack in his home this past year, The Joplin Area Fuller Center for the wonderful and much needed home repairs, his wonderful friends and neighbors, and the staff at Freeman hospital. Gywnn and the Palliative staff at Freeman were simply the best and their wonderful care will never be forgotten.
Jack will be remembered for many things, his great stories from the past, wonderful automotive knowledge, and his generosity and kindness. He always wanted to feed the Abercrombie’s (Squirrels) and made sure to watch "It’s a Wonderful Life" every Christmas Eve.
A celebration of life will be held at Jack’s home, Saturday February 3rd, from 3 to 5 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Jack’s name to the St. Peter's Outreach House, Joplin Fuller Center for Housing, or the Joplin Elks Lodge Christmas Basket Fund.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.
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