Tributes

Lt. Colonel John M. Clemens, USAF Ret. On February 22, 2005, John Moore Clemens, Sr., better known as Jack, went home to be with the Lord. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years Anna Catherine Orr Clemens; his three children and their spouses, Jack Jr. and Alice, Kitty and Pete Birk and Bette and Jon Miles; a son-in-law and his wife Jim and Scarlett Sharkey; eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and close friends too numerous to mention. Jack was born to the Rev. Dr. Milton Lewis and Margaret Moore Clemens in Greeneville, TN on July 31, 1916. At a young age Jack moved with his three siblings and parents to Knoxville, TN where Jack spent as much time as possible exploring the mountains of east Tennessee and helping friends and neighbors work their land. Jack was fond of telling people he had one leg shorter than the other from plowing around the hills in East Tennessee. Following his graduation from the University of Tennessee, Jack joined the Military where he served his country for 37 years as a pilot, first in the Army/Air Corp and then the United States Air Force. He also trained both American and foreign student pilots with helicopters and fixed wing aircrafts. Following his retirement, he taught English as a second language to foreign military students. Friends laughed and remarked that Jack teaching English to foreign students explained how they graduated with an East Tennessee twang. Through out his life, Jack served the Lord that he loved so dearly by walking out his faith in all that he did, always demonstrating his love of others. He served his church family as an Elder, as well as numerous committees and gave unselfishly of his time, resources and his love. Younger members will fondly remember him as the balloon man. For the past 50 years Jack was also active in the Charles W. Anderson Masonic Lodge, National Sojourners the Heroes of 76, the Scottish rite and the Shrine. During the last five years he was an active member of the Morningside Retirement Community, serving on boards and acting as an encourager of other residents going through difficult times. One of Jacks trademarks was his sense of humor and wit, which he attributed to being the sixth cousin of Mark Twain Samuel Clemens. He enjoyed the lighter side of life and never gave up wanting to play and have fun. This appreciated humor served him and his family well as he always knew how to put difficult situations in to the proper perspective and find lifes positive side. He had a unique way of making each family member feel that they were special. He was known as Da to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and in turn had particular nicknames for each. Everyone that was privileged to know Jack will remember him as a loving, kind, humble, wise and honorable man. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Stone Oak Cumberland Presbyterian Church or the Shrine Crippled Childrens Hospital. Family visitation will be held at Mission Park Funeral Chapels, North on Sunday, February 27, 2005 from 5:00-9:00. The funeral will be held at Stone Oak Church on Monday February 28, 2005 at 12:30 with burial at Fort Sam Houston at 2:00.

Tributes

Lt. Col. John Moore Clemens

July 31, 1916 - February 22, 2005