John Oscar Clements, Jr.

John Oscar Clements, Jr. age 88, passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2009. John Clements was born on April 10, 1920 in Columbus, Georgia, the only child of John Clements, Sr., and Katherine Jones Clements. After his father died, John and his mother moved to Griffin to be near her family. John attended elementary and secondary schools in Griffin and graduated from Spalding High School. He was a member of the undefeated 1937 football team and the 1938 state championship basketball team. He was known to be a tough and competitive player. Later, while in the Army, he was a Golden Gloves boxer. John served in the U.S. Army during World War II in both Europe and the Pacific. Returning to Griffin after the war, John worked full-time and attended Law School in Atlanta. He received his Law Degree from The Atlanta Law School in 1948. Shortly after that, he was elected Justice of the Peace for the Griffin District after a spur of the moment decision to run for office. That decision led to a 47 year career in the court system. “Judge John O”, as many called him, served as Justice of the Peace until he became Judge of Small Claims Court. When that court was replaced by the Magistrate Court in 1983, he became Chief of the Magistrate Court and finished his working life in that capacity on December 31, 1996. When he left office, the Spalding County Commissioners presented him with a proclamation recognizing his 47 years of service and honored him with John Clements Day in the county. He married Rachel Thomason of Griffin in 1942. Rachel died in 1969. John married Henrietta Elaine McKoon. John and Henrietta were able to have 35 years together before Henrietta’s death in 2004. Judge Clements was active in many civic associations, including most notably, the American Business Club and the Moose Lodge. He was a founding member of both Organizations and enjoyed participation in both until illness made that impossible for him. He served as President and District Governor of the American Business Club and governor of the Moose Lodge and held the Pilgrim Degree in that organization. When he was 80 years old, he spearheaded a program through the Ambucs Club to provide special tricycles to children with disabilities. Johnny loved Griffin and the people of Griffin. He always had something good to say about people and about his community. He was a devoted member of Southside Baptist Church for many years. He was known for his friendliness, good humor, his energy and his integrity. His kindness and sense of community will be long remembered by those who knew him. His family and friends will miss him very much. John is survived by his daughters, Terri Clements Dean (Mark) of Fernandina Beach, Florida, Kathy Clements of Rome, Georgia, Laura Clements of Williamson; sons, Aubry McKoon (Dianne) of Griffin, Joel McKoon and Mark McKoon; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Funeral services for John Clements will be conducted on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Conner-Westbury Funeral Home. Dr. Mark Sellers and Aubry McKoon will officiate. Entombment will be in Oak Hill Mausoleum. Friends may visit the family Tuesday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

John Oscar Clements, Jr.

April 10, 1920 - March 15, 2009