Jack H. Clayton

Jack was born January 21, 1950 in Burley, Idaho to Dewayne and Marie Clayton. He passed away in a tragic car accident on the way to work the morning of October 26th, 2012. He was the oldest of three kids and grew up on a family farm where he accepted early on that hard work was just a part of daily life. He was known for his tremendous work ethic which he learned by example from his parents.

He graduated from Burley High School in 1968 then attended Ricks College for two years and subsequently earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Sciences from Utah State University. He was involved in the Future Farmers of America throughout many of these years.

He married Sharlene McCracken in 1971. They had one daughter, Stephanie Lynn in September of 1972.

After obtaining his degree, he started his career with U&I Sugar Company in Moses Lake, Washington, and Tremonton, Utah, before settling in American Falls, Idaho. Once in American Falls, he worked for J.R. Simplot in Aberdeen as the field manager. He left Simplot to work for Feld Farms in Aberdeen. For the last 11-years he worked at the University of Idaho Experiment Station in Aberdeen.

While working for Feld Farms he was introduced to the love of his life, Kayla. Kayla and her 3 kids (Jeb, Emilee, and Willy) met Jack in a potato field where Jack was harvesting potatoes.

Jack and Kayla were married on November 9th, 1985. In 1986, Kayla and the kids joined Jack in American Falls. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Logan Temple on December 27, 1996. In 1999, they moved to Chubbuck, Idaho.

Jack was an Ag guy through and through. He truly enjoyed what he did for a living. He had a passion for the Wheat Breeding Program at the Experiment Station where he enjoyed the people he worked with.

The Ag in him came out at home in the yard. It was not uncommon to see him mowing the lawn every Wednesday and Saturday. After all, he had to have a greener lawn than the neighbors.

He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served in various callings throughout the years, although his most favorite calling was handing out tootsie-rolls to the little kids in church.

Jack was an incredible husband, father, grandfather, and brother. Jack's unique personality will be missed by all who knew him. Jack was indeed an icon of his time.

He is survived by his wife Kayla, children Stephanie (Scott) McCurdy, Rexburg, Idaho; Jeb (Kandi) Harris, Chubbuck, Idaho; Emilee (Jason Hayne) Harris, Idaho Falls, Idaho; and Willy (Melissa) Harris, Chubbuck, Idaho; 13 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren; his brother Dan (Mary Ann) Clayton, Burley, Idaho; sister Cheryl Clayton, Burley, Idaho; brothers-in-law Rod Jones, Magna, Utah; Taun (Nancy) Jones, Eagle Mountain, Utah; Sid (Tammy) Jones, Draper, Utah; and J.D. (Trish) Bowles, Monroe, Washington, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Dewayne and Marie, and his in-laws Jack and Virginia Bowles.

Please take a moment to share your condolences with Jack's family in the Guestbook found on this page; memories and short stories may be shared in the Stories tab, and photos of Jack may be shared in the Photo Gallery. The funeral service information is posted in the Service Schedule tab.