Jack Whitman Clark

Born March 11, 1931, Jack Whitman Clark recently completed mortality with integrity and honor; leaving this life in his sleep on October 16, 2024 at 93 years old. Raised by Albert and Wilma Clark in the great state of Idaho, Jack's roots are in cowboy country and he exemplified these core values throughout his life. Bailing hay, rustling cattle, harvesting potatoes, and operating heavy machinery instilled in him a matchless work ethic at a young age.

Pursuing his passion for the game of basketball, Jack held a 50-year scoring record at Burley High School and played at Utah State University where he also completed a Ph.D. in Education. However, from the moment Sherma May Stanger sat on his lap in the front seat of a 1941 coupe – because there was no room in back – he knew his life was about to change for the better. They were married on June 23, 1949 in the Y-Dell Ballroom on Burley's east side. Fulfilling a promise he made to Sherma's mother, they were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on December 29, 1961.

After serving in the United States Air Force while stationed in Long Island, New York, the allure of California's warm climate eventually took the young family west where Jack held various positions in school administration and coached several championship high school basketball teams. Professional endeavors, however, seemed only to be means to an end; Jack loved to travel and experience life, places, and people first-hand. He possessed a profound love of the natural world and a sense of reverence for God's creations; immersing himself entirely as the opportunity presented.

His legacy is that of family, spiritual conviction, and personal connection. He was fiercely loyal to Sherma May; standing faithfully by her side through a host of health challenges. Leading by humble example, he lived the gospel of Jesus Christ and testified of the Savior's eternal plan of happiness. He truly desired nothing more than to be together with his family – those he held dear – in this life and in the next. His counsel, unconditional love, eternal optimism, and unwavering presence will be missed.

Jack is survived by his wife, Sherma May Clark, his brother Donald Clark, his sister Judy O'Rourke, his children Jerry Clark, Jan Boyce, and Julie Boyce, his 13 grandchildren, and his 29 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Albert Whitman Clark and Wilma Laub Clark, and his brothers Gerald Rex Clark and Jim Clark.

A viewing for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Walker Sanderson Funeral Home – 646 E 800 N, Orem, UT 84097. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 24, 2024 commencing at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints – 481 E Center Street, Orem, UT 84097.