Joseph “J.F.” Clegg June 27, 1951 - September 10, 2024

Joseph “J.F.” Clegg
June 27, 1951 – September 10, 2024

J.F. lived the first few years of his life in the small mining town of Boron, CA in the Mojave Desert, then moved to Sacramento where he completed high school. He then moved to Phoenix, AZ to complete the Universal Technical Institute in auto mechanics. He lived in Phoenix for six years working various jobs and joining the Central United Methodist Church choir which took him on tours of Poland and England. It was also in Phoenix when he began his faith journey, which became his life-long devotion. He moved to Delhi to join his mother on family property, then bought a home close by as he started his business of Turlock Custom Tree Trimming. His business lasted 35 years. He was very successful and well known as the tree trimmer with the 1942 International boom truck, hard working and appreciated for his expertise. J.F. was also well known and loved for his musical and acting talent. As a trained vocalist he sang in many weddings, funerals, and church choirs. He sang with all the area chorales and choruses, and toured with choirs to Central Europe twice, Hawaii, Sweden and Norway. He acted in dramatic plays and musicals ( 25 of them) with Denair, Modesto, Merced, Hilmar and Livingston theaters. His most loved role was Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof”. At the dress rehearsal J.F. was introduced to Nancy by a mutual friend and pastor. Nancy was currently serving as a minister at the First Presbyterian Church in Turlock. J.F. was a member of the Delhi Community Presbyterian Church. They were married in less than a year in 1983, which began his beloved journey as a devoted husband and father. J.F. and Nancy joyfully started a family in 1986. During those early years they traveled to Europe, England and Scotland, the Caribbean, Alaska, and Kauai, and grew the family home. As a self-taught home builder, they added additions to their home for the growing family. J.F. journeyed on mission trips with church groups to Turkey, Chile, and Alaska. He enjoyed many backpacking trips in Yosemite backcountry with family and friends, floated the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, made many road trips and camping trips with family, along with annual trips to Death Valley, Tahoe and the coast with family and friends. He collected vintage cars, antique furnishings and appliances, joined bowling teams and bowled a 300, loved to golf, fish, and grow fruit trees and vegetable gardens. He drove his International boom truck in many Christmas parades with the family. J.F. served in positions of leadership in the Delhi and Turlock Presbyterian churches as a Deacon and Elder. His last volunteer work was with the United Samaritans Foundation. At the age of 60 he began his final journey with early-onset Alzheimer’s. His strength and faith helped him endure the many challenges, retiring at 63 and helping with home and family. This last journey took him to his eternal home, leaving behind his wife Nancy, daughter Sarah Coey (Rocky) and grandson Arlin, daughter Diana Michael-Clegg (Joshua), and son Joshua Clegg. He is preceded in death by both his parents, Lowell Clegg and Sarah Jane Clegg, and his brother Kent Clegg. J.F.’s love, devotion, talent and generosity left a legacy that will always be remembered.
A memorial service is planned for November 30, 2024 at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Turlock.
Donations in his memory may be given to the Memorial Fund of First Presbyterian Church of Turlock, to local and worldwide missions and charities of choice, or by planting a tree.