Jack was born in New York City to Alexis L. Clark Jr. and Hazel Hill Clark on July 20, 1948. He grew up in Denville, attending Morris Hills and Morris Knolls High Schools and graduated from Montclair State University in 1970 with a BA in History.
Following graduation, he took his first job as the curator of minerology at the Morris Museum in Morristown, NJ.
Building on his experience there, he became one of the youngest museum Executive Directors when he accepted the position at the Bruce Museum in Greenwich, CT.
Throughout his 16-year tenure, Jack transformed the museum and was responsible for a large capital campaign that resulted in the first addition to the museum. Having completed such a large project, it was time to move on to a new challenge, and in 1995 Jack accepted the Director position at the Lakeview Museum in Peoria, IL.
Following a short tenure there, he was approached by a non-profit, Lifeline Pilots, for his vision and fundraising expertise.
During his time, he helped them grow into a sustainable business by establishing an endowment to help private pilots easily coordinate flights for families in need and also fly medical supplies around country during 9/11.
The job completed once again, his next opportunity brought him back home to New Jersey where he worked as a fundraiser for several organizations until he retired at the age of 64.
In retirement, he returned to his early passions for building meaningful and unique exhibits and connecting with the community as an active volunteer at the Sparta Historical Society and Director at the Van Kirk Homestead Museum.
Throughout his life, Jack was an avid collector, an active historian, and never missed the chance to share a good story.
Jack is survived by his wife of 51 years, Renae, his brother, Alexis L Clark III, his 2 children Thomas (Michelle) Clark and Stephanie (Jonathan) Poole. He also leaves behind his four grandchildren, Harrison, Lucas, Lawson and Leyton. Preceding him in death were his father, Alexis L. Clark Jr., his mother, Hazel Hill Clark, his stepmother Marianna Clark, and his granddaughter Vaida Clark.
A celebration of Jack’s life is scheduled for 2:00pm Wednesday July 20 at Goble Funeral Home in Sparta, NJ. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jack’s memory to the Sparta Historical Society, Inc. – P.O. Box 312, Sparta, NJ 07871.