BOMBER MEMORIAL

JACK FRANCIS "PJ" CLARK ~ Class of 1966
November 7, 1947 - September 9, 2026



Jack Francis Clark — devoted husband, cherished stepfather, and beloved "PJ" to his step-grandchildren — passed away peacefully on September 9, 2026, at the age of 78. Known for his quick wit, generous heart, and warm presence, Jack left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Jack was born on November 7, 1947, in Rapid City, South Dakota to Robert and Janice Clark. Jack was named after his uncle, Jack Francis Clark, a West Point graduate who died in WW2. In 1948, his family moved to Richland, Washington, where he grew up and would call the Tri-Cities home for the rest of his life.

Jack was active in the Boy Scouts and attained the rank of Eagle Scout during high school. There he cultivated friends who remained his lifelong pals. He graduated from Columbia High School — home of the Richland Bombers — in 1966.

He attended Washington State University from 1966 to 1970, earning a Bachelor of Arts in History — a lifelong interest that fed his storytelling and his famously dry sense of humor. In 1970, Jack served as president of the local Junior Chamber of Commerce (the Jaycees), an early sign of the natural leadership and mentorship that would define much of his life; he had a gift for guiding and encouraging those around him, and many who worked alongside him considered him a mentor as much as a colleague.

Jack went on to build a long and dedicated career with the City of Kennewick, Washington, where he worked for 30 years. He later spent four years with another company before turning to what became a true calling: 20 years of volunteer service with the Benton County Conservation District, where his commitment to the land and his community never wavered.

On July 4, 1992, Jack married Anne Hodgson ('66), and from that day forward he embraced his role as husband and father wholeheartedly. He proudly welcomed three children as his own, and in time became grandfather to nine grandchildren and great-grandfather to two great-grandchildren. To his step-grandchildren, he was simply “PJ” — a name spoken with equal parts affection and delight.

Jack later found his way to the Catholic faith, with his father-in-law, William Hodgson, standing as his sponsor when he converted. From then on, he lived that faith openly and humbly, serving as a Knight of the Knights of Columbus. He carried that same devotion into his marriage, remaining a loving and faithful husband to Anne for more than three decades.

Those who knew Jack remember him for his quick wit, his boundless generosity, and the warmth he extended to everyone he met. Whether cracking a joke, lending a hand, or sharing a bit of history he had picked up along the way, he had a gift for making people feel at ease and well loved. He was also devoted to his loyal hunting dog, Belker, a faithful companion by his side for many years.

He is survived by his wife, Anne Clark ('66); his siblings, Barbara (Clark) Kauffman ('67), David Clark ('69), and Doug Clark; his nieces and nephews; and his three children: Bob Weissenfels (Jess), Michelle (Weissenfels) Argue (Matt), and Heidi Weissenfels; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He is greatly missed and is remembered with much love and affection.

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Bomber Memorial put together by Shirley COLLINGS Haskins ('66).