Jack Bryant Clark

Jack Clark, a true gentleman who was very kind and always put others first, passed away April 27, 2024, holding his beloved wife's hand. He set the standard for lighting huge Christmas trees, loved a good insurance policy and a perfectly cooked steak. Those who knew Jack well will recall his love for detail and know that he did not write this obituary, but we did our best.

Jack was born May 29, 1941, with his twin sister Joan Marie in Albany, NY to Gladys (Lawson) and Byron Clark. He spent most of his early years on the East Coast including 10 years in Needham, MA before becoming a consummate Midwesterner.

Jack graduated from Indiana University with a degree in economics. He served as vice president of his fraternity, Alpha Tau Omega. When the ATOs and Alpha Phis won the IU Sing, a celebration in Browns Woods followed where Jack met Phyllis, his future bride.

Jack married Phyllis a year later and they happily spent the next 60 years together. They raised a family of three children Chris, Sydney and James “Skip” who loved him dearly and are extremely grateful for their educations, fun vacations and the countless times that Jack helped them solve a problem or tackle a home improvement project. Many pets also graced their home through the years — most recently Annabelle, who has adored snuggling up to Jack and helping him rest his eyes while he sat in his chair.

Living in West Des Moines for more than 50 years, Jack was an active member of West Des Moines United Methodist Church. In 1972, he was a founding member of his church group MITS WITS (Men In The Search, Women In The Search), which is still active today. Many happy hours were spent with treasured friends from this group. Jack enjoyed volunteering with the church including participating in the Last Supper drama and was recognized for his various contributions with a volunteer service award. Among his other volunteer endeavors, Jack served as the president of the South Iowa Methodist Homes. He also received the Paul Harris Service Award from the Rotary Club.

Jack enjoyed a long career and retired from the Iowa Utility Association in 2012. Upon his retirement, he was recognized by the governor for his dedication to the state and people of Iowa. He was very proud to have earned the designation of CAE (Certified Association Executive) in 1992.

Measure twice, cut once and then swear, accurately sums up Jack's love of woodworking. He never met a saw or a clamp that he didn't love and enjoyed many projects around their home. Together with Phyllis, Jack also enjoyed gardening — meticulously planting more than 100 hydrangea bushes in their beautiful yard.

Jack truly loved and spoiled his four grandchildren. He happily spent many hours attending their sporting and theatrical events. He was incredibly proud of their impressive achievements and was often seen sporting hats for their respective universities.

Jack and his family are grateful for the attentive care of the kindhearted CNAs and nurses at Cedar Ridge Village, where he spent the last year and a half. They affectionally called him Jack Jack, coaxed many smiles and made him feel loved.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Gladys and Byron Clark; sisters, Joan and Barbara (Clark) Riter; his in-laws, Frances and Sidney Plummer; and step-mother-in-law, Mary Jane Plummer.

Jack is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis; his children, Chris (his favorite daughter-in-law, Annie); Sydney (his favorite son-in-law, Neil) McManus and Skip; his grandchildren, Tommy (Katie Mattinen), Katie Clark, and Kathleen and James McManus; his brother, Ken (Starla) Clark; and nieces and nephews.

Visitation will take place from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, May 6, 2024 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 7 at West Des Moines United Methodist Church, 720 Grand Avenue, also in West Des Moines. A private interment will occur at Resthaven Cemetery.

It was his wish that memorial contributions go to West Des Moines United Methodist Church or the Animal Rescue League (ARL).

Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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