Clark, John Marshall
Jack Clark died peacefully in his sleep on August 3rd at age 90. He leaves his wife of sixty-six years, Jeanne Webber Clark, and his children Carol Clark-Flanagan and her husband Thomas M. Flanagan of Simsbury, CT, Sarah Clark Donahue of Duxbury, MA, and John M. Clark, Jr. and his wife Susan B. Clark of Duxbury. He also leaves his ten grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. His was a life well lived.
Jack grew up in Annapolis, MD on the water. He was the son of Judge Linwood L. Clark and Linnie Habersank Clark. During his childhood he developed a love for sailing. Pursuing this passion, he attended the Coast Guard Academy and graduated in 1949 with a degree in engineering. He was one of the cadets trained aboard the Danish square rigger the Danmark when it had safe haven at the Academy during World War II. A member of the sailing team, he was a nationally recognizedintercollegiate racer, winning the A Division at the national championships one year.
After fulfilling his commission in the service, he changed his career to spend more time with his family. He and Jeanne settled in Duxbury to raise their children. Jack worked at Plymouth Cordage Company, Cabot Corporation, and Reed and Barton. His specialty lay in the field of personnel, including labor relations and compensation plans. In town, he was active on various committees and served as Chair of the Personnel Board.
In 1968, Jack won the Highlander Nationals with his family as crew. He was a founding member of the Duxbury Frostbite Society. His ability on the water also showed itself in his expertise designing race courses and running regattas. In 1995, the Duxbury Yacht Club awarded him the Centennial Shield for his work advancing junior sailing. He also taught safe boating courses for the Coast Guard Auxillary.
Jack had an eclectic taste in and passion for music. In retirement, he was known to turn up the volume to better absorb classics like “Big Noise from Winnetka” and “A Closer Walk with Thee.” It gave him great pleasure to customize mixes for people based on their interests.
Being with family and messing around in boats were Jack’s passions. Sadly, those memories were taken from him when he was stricken with Alzheimer’s disease. For the past year and a half, he lived at the Newfield House in Plymouth. The care and compassion he received there was remarkable.
A funeral mass will be held at Holy Family Church in Duxbury on Tuesday, August 16 at 11am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Duxbury Bay Maritime School in Jack’s name.