Sept. 1936 ~ July 2018
Jack was born on September 22, 1936 in Bakersfield, California and graduated from Arvin High School in 1955. After graduation he enlisted in the National Guard where he served from 1953-1955 and then directly into the United States Navy where he served from 1955-1957. Jack married the love of his life, Phyllis Jean McCartney on February 24, 1962 and together they shared 56 years of marriage. Toward the end of his days he would point to their wedding picture and say how lucky he was to marry the love of his life.
Jack worked as a firefighter in Seaside, CA until 1968 before settling in Turlock, where he spent the greater part of his career as a house painter. He worked for many different clients in Turlock, where he grew to like and respect many of the people he worked for. In the early 2000’s Jack retired from painting and went into private security work. As was his way, he made friends at every job site. In 2007 he had to retire due to health issues. Even after retirement he remained a busy man, helping to raise his grandchildren and later his great grandchildren. His family loves him dearly as he loved them.
On Tuesday, July 17, 2018 at 3:42p.m. he passed from this life with his family at his side and his great grandson playing in the room; it was a sad but beautiful moment. May he forever rest in peace.
Jack leaves behind his loving wife Phyllis Clifton; children Jennifer Clifton of Turlock and Jack Clifton II of Carson City, Nevada; sister Linda Law of Carson City, Nevada; grandchildren Alan Clifton, Phylicia Clifton and Chloe Clifton; and great grandchildren Gary Clifton, Gideon Clifton and Gunner Clifton.
Committal service will be held at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery on Friday, August 24, 2018 at 9:30a.m. with an open house reception at the family home following the burial until 5:00p.m.
Donations can be made on Facebook at the Jack Clifton Memorial Page.
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Marilyn Murillo says
December 1, 2020 at 7:29 pmOut of the blue this morning, God placed Jack and Phyllis Clifton’s names in my thoughts. Upon searching, I found Bro. Clifton’s beautiful remembrance. Bro. Clifton was cornerstone in making us feel welcomed in Turlock, just by being himself. He was a shining star in mine, and my husband, Richard’s lives. Home and arms always open, he and Phyllis always had encouraging words for us as new parents. He was a wonderful Christian and godly example to us and made an everlasting impact upon us.
Nate Lusher says
August 6, 2018 at 11:19 pmI’ll always remember Jack as very kind. As a little boy I remember him taking the time to say hi to me and give me a big smile when at the time it seemed like most grownups wouldn’t bother with acknowledging a child. That meant a lot to me. I don’t think I ever saw him upset. Our families were close and he seemed more like a favorite uncle than a family friend. I didn’t get to see him before the end but I wish I would’ve been able to sit and listen to him talk about drag racing one more time. Jack was a shining example of how a man should live his life and he will be missed.