John Clements

John Earl “Jack” Clements, 72, passed away peacefully March 21, 2015 in his home.  He was born December 19, 1942, in Park City, UT to Beth Wilde and Dr. E. Howard Clements.

Born on a snowy winter’s evening in the Miners Hospital in Park City, Utah, Jack began his life’s journey.  The world was embroiled in a hideous war as this sweet baby slept.  He would not see his father until he was three and a half years old and was then left to wonder who the strange man was that prompted his mother to let go of his hand and run into his father’s arms. Until Jack was 12 years old, his father was in college, and then dental school, which required a move to Kansas City, MO. Upon graduation, the family moved back to Salt Lake City, UT, where his father established his dental practice. Moving into the Canyon Rim area, he attended Olympus High School, where he wrestled, played football and went to Boys State.  It was during this time that he met his devoted wife Kris, who lived at the bottom of the street.  Not realizing that they would marry some years later, they enjoyed growing up and spending many memorable times in the Canyon Rim Ward.  Jack served in the French mission and did much work in the same area as his grandfather, who fought in WW I, and his father, who fought in WW II.  The Normandy Coast holds special thoughts for four generations because his nephew served a mission in the same area just a few years ago.

Upon returning from his mission, Jack attended BYU, and was reunited with Kris in 1964; they married a year later in the Salt Lake Temple. He continued his studies at BYU, and then the University of Utah.  It was during this time that they had their first three children.  Their fourth child came three years after Jack finished school.   Jack and Kris spent many fun times with their young family, camping, boating, fishing and skiing. He loved to play softball, basketball and hunt. Jack also coached football, and loved attending all the activities his children were involved in. He was a very kind and giving man and spent his life serving others.  “What can I do for you” was one of the first things he would ask. There was nothing too big or too small that he wouldn’t do for you.  Jack had a passion for cars!  His employer provided a new car every three years, a new set of wheels made him happy.  He restored a GTO and a jeep giving him many hours of enjoyment.  Lake Powell was Jack’s favorite laughing place. He never tired of the beauty and grandeur.  He enjoyed sharing the lake with others, but he especially cherished spending time with his family.  The activities they shared were water skiing, water toys, cruising the canyons, playing in the water and basking in the sun while listening to Out of Africa, Top Gun and the Beach Boys.

Jack was employed by Ash Grove Cement West and retired in 2008.  During the 28 years he worked there he was very fulfilled and happy.  He loved the people he worked with and considered them as family.  Jack didn’t have customers, he had friends.  In 1990 Ash Grove re-located Jack to Las Vegas.  He would not return to Salt Lake, but moved to St. George, where he remained until his passing.  These years and relationships have been a highlight in his life. He worked hard to build up the sales in Las Vegas and enjoyed the people.   Jack’s last get together with his colleagues brought back many happy memories, and they have supported him during his illness.

Jack was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints.  He loved the Lord and served in many capacities.  His callings as Second Councilor in the Bishopric, High Councilman, Bishop, and temple worker, as well as his work with the young men, gave Jack a sense of balance.  His spiritual beliefs made it easier to face so many adversities.  Jack always knew his Heavenly Father was with him.  He lived his life with love, compassion and forgiveness and reminded us often to “not sweat the small stuff.”

Jack and Kris served a one year mission as service missionaries in Gridley, CA.  It was one of the greatest years they spent together.  It was there that Jack was diagnosed with congestive heart failure.  The next 6 years he had to endure living with a very weak heart.  He was strong and fought hard.  In July of 2014, he had a pump attached to his heart in hopes that it would give him a better quality of life.  Unfortunately, it did not.  He began hospice the first of March giving him comfort and support.  It was a beautiful spring day when he returned to his Heavenly Father.  He was with those he loved and cherished the most.

His wife and family would like to extend a loving heart felt thank you to all his care givers, Dr. Cathleen Obray, our friend and primary doctor; Jamison Jones and Sarah Beck at Heart of Dixie; Dr. Patel, Dr. Han and Dr. Kampati, Cardiovascular Surgeons; and Dr. Craig H. Selzman and all the doctors in the University of Utah Cardiac Mechanical Support Program.  All the University of Utah VAD Coordinators who really know their “stuff” and who have held our hands through this whole experience.  Dixie Home Rehab and Hospice provided comfort, kindness and understanding, and a special thanks to all of our family and friends that have walked with us through this journey.

He is survived by his wife Kris; children: Jodi Augustine Evans (Keith), Henderson, NV; Douglas John, Henderson, NV; Jennifer Schaffer, Henderson NV; Becki Campbell (Jared) St. George, UT; 13 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; sister Elizabeth Bradford, brothers Steve (Sue) and Scott (Patti).

Funeral services will be Friday, March 27, 2015 at 11:00 am at Sunset 8th Ward, 82 N Dixie Drive, St. George, UT.  Viewings will be on Thursday, March 26, 2015 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at the Sunset 8th Ward and on Friday, March 27, 2015, 9:30 – 10:30 am prior to the service.  Interment will be at Tonaquint Cemetery, 1777 S. Dixie Drive.